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4,000km Solo Ride Across Australia Nears Finish: 67 Year-Old Damien Kelly Set to Arrive in Geelong Tomorrow

Callum & Jake Robinson Foundation

Highlights

• 67-year-old set to complete 4,000km solo, unsupported ride across Australia tomorrow 
• Expected to finish at Geelong Waterfront at approximately 10am (local time) 
• More than 4,000km ridden coast-to-coast from Perth 
• Final stretch through Victoria proving one of the toughest due to constant hills 
• Emotional moment reaching the Great Ocean Road - first sight of the ocean since leaving Perth
• Strong community support, including the Australian surf ski network and social media following   
• Riding in honour of Callum and Jake Robinson and supporting their Foundation 

After weeks on the road and more than 4,000 kilometres in the saddle, Damien Kelly is set to complete his extraordinary solo, unsupported journey across Australia tomorrow, arriving at the Geelong Waterfront at approximately 10am local time.

Departing Perth on 16 March 2026, Damien has ridden coast-to-coast under his own power, carrying all essential gear and navigating the physical and mental demands of one of the country’s most challenging endurance feats.

The ride has been undertaken in honour of Callum (32) and Jake (31) Robinson, two Australian brothers who, along with their friend Carter Rhoad (33), were tragically killed while travelling in Mexico in 2024. Through the journey, Damien has been raising awareness and support for the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation.

The Final Stretch

While much of the journey has been defined by long, flat and desolate roads across central Australia, the final leg into Victoria has delivered a very different test.

After weeks of riding through open, remote landscapes, Damien has faced constant elevation changes, rolling terrain and sustained climbs as he approaches Geelong.

“The last stretch has been tough in a different way,” Damien said.

“You go from those long, flat roads where you can settle into a rhythm, to hills that just keep coming. It really tests the legs after everything that’s already in them.”

The accumulated fatigue from weeks on the bike, combined with the demands of the terrain, has made the closing stages among the most physically challenging of the entire journey.

A Powerful Moment on the Great Ocean Road

One of the most emotional moments of the journey came as Damien reached the Great Ocean Road and caught sight of the ocean for the first time since leaving Perth.

After spending the majority of the ride traversing inland Australia and the vast, desolate stretches of the Nullarbor, the return to the coastline marked a powerful turning point.

“That was a special moment,” Damien said.

“I hadn’t seen the ocean since I left Perth, so coming around and seeing it again - it really hits you.”

“It felt like I was getting close. After all those days inland, seeing the water again gives you a real lift.”

The moment provided both emotional relief and renewed energy as Damien entered the final stages of the journey.

From Isolation to the Finish Line

Damien’s ride has taken him across some of the most remote parts of Australia, including extended stretches of central Australia and the Nullarbor Plain, where long distances between towns and exposure to the elements required careful planning, resilience and mental discipline.

“In the middle of the country, it’s just you, the road and the horizon,” Damien said.

“You get used to the quiet, the space and the simplicity of it. Finishing somewhere like Geelong, with people around, will be a pretty special moment.”

The contrast between those isolated stretches and the final arrival highlights the scale and diversity of the journey.

Community Support Behind the Ride

While the journey has been undertaken solo, Damien has been supported by a strong and engaged community that has followed the ride closely from start to finish.

Special mention goes to Emily Horwath and Georgia Kelly, whose social media updates and storytelling have played a key role in bringing people together around the journey and keeping the momentum of the ride alive.

Along the way, Damien has also been supported by members of the Australian surf ski community, many of whom have reached out to offer encouragement, a meal, a place to stay or simply dropped in along the route to show their support.

“That’s been one of the highlights,” Damien said.

“You set out to do this solo, but you quickly realise how many people are behind you. The support, whether it’s a place to stay or just someone stopping for a chat, makes a real difference.”

These moments of connection have provided both practical support and a powerful reminder of the strength of community across the country.

A Ride Driven by Purpose

At its core, the journey has always been about more than the distance, with Damien focused on honouring the memory of Callum and Jake while supporting the work of their Foundation.

“This was never just about riding across Australia,” Damien said.

“It was about doing something meaningful and helping keep their memory alive. If it gets people talking or supporting the Foundation, then it’s worth it.”

Along the way, Damien has also experienced moments of unexpected kindness, including strangers offering support and places to stay, reinforcing the sense of community behind what is otherwise a solo effort.

“That’s been one of the highlights,” Damien said. “People going out of their way to help you - it really stays with you.”

A Remarkable Achievement

Completing a 4,000km solo, unsupported ride across Australia at 67 years of age is a significant endurance achievement, requiring sustained physical effort, mental resilience and the ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions.

From the remote highways of Western Australia to the Nullarbor crossing and the challenging final climbs into Victoria, Damien’s journey reflects both the scale of the country and the determination required to traverse it by bike.

Tomorrow’s Finish

Damien is expected to arrive at the Geelong Waterfront at approximately 10am local time tomorrow, marking the completion of the coast-to-coast journey.

Supporters, media and members of the public are encouraged to attend and witness the final moments of an extraordinary Australian endurance story.

About the Foundation

The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation was established following the tragic deaths of Callum, Jake and Carter Rhoad in 2024.

The Foundation is focused on creating positive change and helping others “Live Bigger, Shine Brighter and Love Harder” in their honour.

Damien’s ride has helped raise awareness and support for this mission, carrying their story across the country.

Follow and Support the Ride

Supporters can track Damien’s journey in real time and contribute to the cause via the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation:

• 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/

About Damien Kelly

Damien Kelly is a 67-year-old retiree from Western Australia undertaking a solo, unsupported cycling journey across Australia. His Perth to Geelong ride reflects a lifelong belief in challenge, resilience and community - and a commitment to using personal endeavour to support meaningful causes.

ENDS

About us:

For more information or to support the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, please visit:
www.cjrfoundation.com

Contact details:

David Tasker
Chapter One Advisors 
T: +61 433 112 936
E: [email protected]