Southern Highlands local Bob Montgomery, 82, and his grandson Tom Malcolm, 18, are closing in on the final stages of their epic 5,200 kilometre ride from Broome to Bowral, raising awareness and vital funds for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Since their departure from Broome on 22 June, the pair have cycled 4,100 kilometres across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and regional Queensland, experiencing some of the country's toughest and most remote terrain.
This weekend will see Bob and Tom cross the Queensland–New South Wales border at Barringun before heading south through Bourke, Girilambone, Narromine, Parkes, Boorowa and Goulburn before their expected arrival in Bowral (Bob's hometown) on Sunday 2 August.
The pair's "Miles for MND: One Last Ride" campaign aims to raise $500,000 for MND NSW.
Speaking with 2GB's Mark Levy, Bob reflected on the mental challenge of crossing Australia's sweeping backcountry.
"It's the constant five kilometres. You look into the distance at another rise, another five kilometres. It really is a mind game, not a physical game," Bob said.
Battling headwinds, mechanical setbacks and long days on the road, Bob said the experience was one he would never forget.
"Plenty of problems, mate, plenty of problems, but the team's holding together well. It's a great journey and one that you certainly will not forget," he said.
18-year-old Tom said while the ride had been physically demanding, the biggest challenge was the testing conditions.
"We had a 260-kilometre day which was brutal, where we rode into some strong winds," Tom said.
"The dominant wind in northern Australia is an easterly, and we are riding east, so we have had the wind in our face for most of the ride."
Despite the conditions, he said they remained determined as they ticked off the kilometres.
"We're over three quarters of the way through now and every day brings us a little bit closer to our goal, both on the road and with our fundraising. Knowing we're riding to support people living with MND and their families helps keep us going when things get tough."
"Every donation helps," Tom said. "If we can raise awareness and help support people living with MND, then every kilometre is worth it."
Support Miles For MND: One Last Ride
Donations: https://www.mndblue.org.au/milesformnd
More inforfmation: https://bobmontgomery.com.au/
Follow the journey: Instagram: @broome2bowral.4mnd Facebook: Broome to Bowral Miles for MND
