At a stage of life when many are slowing down, 67-year-old Damien Kelly is doing the exact opposite – pushing himself to the limit on a solo, unsupported ride across Australia. Setting off from Perth and heading towards Geelong, Kelly is cycling nearly 4,000 kilometres with no support crew, no fixed schedule and no shortcuts – all in honour of two young Australians whose story touched the nation.
There are road trips … and then there’s this.
On 16 March 2026, 67-year-old Damien Kelly quietly left Perth on a journey that would test his body, mind and spirit in equal measure. His destination: Geelong – nearly 4,000 kilometres away.
But this is no ordinary cycling trip.
Kelly is riding completely solo and unsupported, carrying everything he needs on his bike and relying on his own planning, endurance and resilience to get him across some of the most remote stretches of the country.
There’s no strict itinerary. No support vehicle following behind. No set number of kilometres each day.
Just one rule: keep going.
While the distances alone are daunting, Kelly says the ride is about something far deeper than ticking off kilometres.
“This isn’t about the distance – it’s about purpose,” he said.
The journey is dedicated to the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, created in memory of brothers Callum (32) and Jake (31), who were tragically killed in 2024 while travelling overseas.
Like many Australians, Kelly was deeply moved by their story.
“It makes you think about your own family – your children and grandchildren – and how quickly everything can change,” he said.
“This ride is my way of honouring them and supporting something positive in their name.”
The ride is already proving to be as tough as expected.
Long days in the saddle. Headwinds. Fatigue. Moments of doubt.
But also something else – clarity.
“Out here, everything simplifies,” Kelly said.
“You wake up, get on the bike and deal with whatever the day brings.”
Some days are physically gruelling. Others deliver unexpected rewards – a quiet sunrise, a kind stranger in a small town, or simply the vast beauty of the Australian landscape.
“There’s nowhere to hide – but there’s also nowhere else you’d rather be.”
The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation was established to turn unimaginable grief into something positive, encouraging people to “Live Bigger, Shine Brighter and Love Harder.”
Kelly’s journey reflects those values in action.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about purpose.
And it’s about reminding others of the power of community and connection.
Through the ride, he hopes to raise both awareness and funds – ensuring Callum and Jake’s legacy continues to inspire.
Covering such vast distances requires a shift in mindset.
“You stop thinking too far ahead,” Kelly explained.
“You focus on the next stretch, the next town, the next day. And before you know it, you’ve come further than you thought possible.”
Each day brings new challenges – changing weather, tough terrain, and the cumulative toll of riding day after day.
But it’s a challenge he’s embraced.
Although Kelly is physically riding alone, he’s quick to point out he doesn’t feel alone.
Supporters across Australia are following his journey, cheering him on and contributing to the cause.
“This might be a solo ride, but it’s not a solo effort,” he said.
“That support matters more than people realise — especially on the tough days.”
Members of the public are encouraged to track Damien’s progress, share the story and support the cause:
Live Tracking: https://share.garmin.com/Damiensride
Donations: Supporting the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, via https://www.cjrfoundation.com/donate
Damien on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienkelly79/