A record of those thoughts and hopes will be waiting for him upon his return in the guise of a bound `Good Wishes' book currently being compiled in Ararat with the support of Ararat Rural City Council.

Ararat resident and co-organiser Geoff Penna said residents could now contribute to the Good Wishes book as a mark of respect and encouragement for the 36-year-old as he journeys towards his record fifth Olympic Games.

Mr Penna said he believed the book would provide due recognition for a Herculean effort.

"Shane Kelly has put in a huge effort throughout his career, and has shown incredible drive and willpower,'' he said.

Gold has thus far proved elusive to the Olympic silver and bronze medallist who is rated in the Australian Institute of Sport's `best of the best'.

The Beijing Games mark his fifth and possibly final attempt to snare Olympic gold. Kelly will ride in the 750 metre team sprint on August 15 and the following day line up in the keiran.

Watching from home with baited breath, along with Kelly's parents, Colin and Jan Kelly, and their family, are likely to be hundreds of Ararat supporters, many of whom are expected to sign the Good Wishes book.

Mr Penna said the book is available for signing at the Ararat Tourist Visitor Centre, the Ararat Rural City Council municipal offices and the Ararat Post Office.

"Any person who admires what he has done and is doing today is invited to sign the Good Wishes book,'' he said.

At the conclusion of the Olympic Games, the books would be collated and bound into a single copy for presentation to Kelly upon his return - with or without a gold medal!