Back

67-year-old cyclist begins Nullarbor crossing in 4,000km charity ride honouring Robinson brothers

Chapter One Advisors

Highlights

• 67-year-old Damien Kelly has reached Border Village and crossed into South Australia
• Approximately 18 days into a 4,000km solo, unsupported ride from Perth to Geelong
• Estimated 1,400-1,600km completed to date
• Now commencing the Nullarbor Plain crossing - one of the most demanding stages of the journey
• Battling persistent and physically taxing side winds across Western Australia
• Riding to honour Callum and Jake Robinson and support their Foundation

Perth retiree Damien Kelly’s 4,000km solo, unsupported cycling journey across Australia has reached a significant milestone, with the 67-year-old arriving at Border Village and officially crossing into South Australia, marking the beginning of the Nullarbor Plain crossing.

Having departed Perth on 16 March 2026, Damien has now spent approximately 18 consecutive days on the road, covering an estimated 1,400-1,600 kilometres under his own power, carrying all equipment required for the journey and relying entirely on his own planning, resilience and adaptability.

The ride is being 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.

Damien is aiming to raise awareness and support for the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation, a not-for-profit established in their memory to help others “Live Bigger, Shine Brighter and Love Harder” and to create positive outcomes from an unimaginable loss.

Entering the Nullarbor

Reaching Border Village represents both a symbolic and logistical turning point in the journey, as Damien now begins crossing the Nullarbor Plain, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most challenging and remote cycling stretches.

The landscape is defined by vast, treeless plains, long distances between services, exposure to the elements and extended sections of uninterrupted road that test both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Unlike earlier stages of the ride through Western Australia, the Nullarbor demands careful management of supplies, energy and mindset, with limited shelter and minimal margin for error, making it a defining phase of the broader 4,000km journey from Perth to Geelong.

Damien acknowledged the significance of this stage, noting that while the Nullarbor is often seen as the most daunting section, it is also central to the purpose and character of the ride itself.

Battling Strong Crosswinds

The early stages of the ride have already delivered challenging and often unpredictable conditions, with strong and persistent side winds across Western Australia playing a major role in shaping daily progress.

These crosswinds have added a significant layer of difficulty to an already demanding endurance effort, forcing constant adjustments on the bike and increasing fatigue across long distances.

“The crosswinds have been one of the toughest parts so far,” Damien said.

“They hit you from the side all day - you’re constantly correcting and working just to stay in a straight line, which takes more out of you than you expect, especially when you’re doing it day after day.”

Despite these conditions, Damien has maintained steady forward progress, demonstrating both physical resilience and mental discipline as he prepares for the next phase of the ride.

A Ride Driven by Purpose

At its core, the journey is defined not by distance but by purpose, with Damien consistently reinforcing that the motivation behind the ride extends well beyond the physical challenge of cycling across the country.

The story of Callum and Jake Robinson has resonated deeply across Australia, particularly among parents and families, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of community.

“This ride is about honouring Callum and Jake and supporting something positive in their name,” he said.

“Like many people, their story stayed with me, and this felt like a way to contribute, to do something meaningful and to help keep their memory alive.”

By linking a personal endurance challenge with a broader charitable purpose, the ride aims to create awareness, generate support for the Foundation and reinforce the values it represents, including resilience, compassion and connection.

The Road Ahead

Following the Nullarbor crossing, Damien’s route will continue east through South Australia and into Victoria.

The journey will take in Ceduna, Kimba, Port Augusta and Adelaide, before heading south-east toward Mount Gambier and then along the Great Ocean Road to Geelong, where the ride will conclude.

This next phase will introduce more varied terrain, increased traffic and a transition from remote to more populated regions, while still requiring sustained physical output and recovery across consecutive days.

The cumulative fatigue from weeks on the bike, combined with changing environmental conditions, will continue to test both endurance and consistency as Damien progresses toward the finish.

Honouring Callum and Jake

The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation stands as a legacy of two lives lost too soon, focused on creating meaningful and lasting impact by supporting initiatives aligned with its mission.

The Foundation seeks to help people live bigger, shine brighter and love harder, turning tragedy into a platform for positive change.

Damien’s ride is helping to carry that message across Australia in a tangible and visible way, linking individual effort with collective purpose.

By sharing the journey publicly and inviting others to follow and contribute, the ride extends the reach and impact of the Foundation’s work.

Journey Progress

• Departed: Perth - 16 March 2026
• Current Location: Border Village, South Australia
• Days on the Road: ~17 days
• Distance Covered: ~1,400-1,600km
• Total Distance: ~4,000km
• Format: Solo and unsupported

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]