82-year-old Bob Montgomery finishes epic cross-country journey with grandson before peaceful death.
An 82-year-old Australian man has died just one day after completing a gruelling 5,300-kilometre bicycle ride across the country to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research and support.
Bob Montgomery finished what he called his “One Last Ride” on Sunday, arriving in his hometown of Bowral in New South Wales to applause from family, friends and local supporters. Accompanied by his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm, the pair had spent six weeks cycling from Broome in Western Australia, covering remote stretches of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.
Montgomery’s family said his death on Monday was “unexpected but peaceful.” His wife of 59 years, Jenny, was by his side. In a statement, the family noted that he had been “still passionately sharing his message only hours before his passing.”
A Personal Mission Backed by Years of Fundraising:
The ride was Montgomery’s sixth major fundraising effort for MND NSW, a cause he described as deeply personal after watching family and friends suffer from the progressive neurological condition. His cousin had died from MND about 12 years earlier. On his fundraising page, he wrote: “I have seen family and friends suffer. It’s heartbreaking.”
Together with his grandson, Montgomery raised approximately A$105,000 (about $74,000) during the latest challenge. Over previous rides, he had already helped raise more than A$300,000 for the organisation. The pair relied solely on pedal power, often starting before dawn in darkness to cover an average of around 160 kilometres a day while contending with heat, headwinds and remote terrain.
Celebration followed by tragedy:
After reaching Bowral, celebrations continued. Malcolm completed an additional stretch into Sydney, where family and supporters gathered. Shortly afterwards, Montgomery suffered a medical episode. He was taken to hospital and later died.
MND NSW chief executive Liam O’Meara described the news as shocking, while noting that Montgomery’s final days had been among his best, filled with recognition for his efforts.
The story of the grandfather and grandson’s journey had captured public attention in Australia, highlighting both the physical demands of the challenge and the quiet determination of an older man committed to a cause that had touched his family. Montgomery’s final ride, intended as a culminating act of advocacy, has now become a poignant tribute to a life spent supporting others living with motor neurone disease.