Giving along the way

THE SPONTANEOUS generosity of people along the Barossa Valley to Tamworth Mountain Bike Challenge has been one of the endearing qualities.
Watching a retired couple dig out all the "shrapnel" they had in their camper van on the Hay Plain or a farmer near Carrathool dive through his ute at 6.30am to deliver more coins are special moments.
That spontaneous generosity reappeared again on Thursday after the 23 riders and seven support crew reached West Wyalong.
After arriving in town Geoff Newling borrowed one of the support vehicles and drove out to nearby Ungarie to check out where his grandfather had lived many years ago.
He had not been back to Ungarie in more than 40 years and had a vague recollection of a house, big dam and bamboo patch.
The bamboo patch was still partly there but the dam had been filled in.
Jake Thomas had also hopped in for the ride because he had an old friend who he had met working on the railways who had told him numerous stories of Ungarie.
They stopped in at the Central Hotel for a quick refreshment after having a look around. There were two Johns in the pub, John the owner and John Wells.
They had a quick chat with them about Jake's mate and Newlo's relatives.
As they were leaving the two Johns handed over $20 each for the rescue helicopter.
Newlo and Jake walked out of there feeling like kings with $40.
Earlier that day Newlo had also received a telephone call from John Sloane in Tamworth.
He owns The Equine Inn Motel in Tamworth.
Turns out John's home town is West Wyalong.
All teh riders stayed at the Tattersalls Hotel, which is on the corner of Monash Street and the main road.
"I grew up in Monash Street," John, a builder by trade, recalled.
"I used to work at the pub too, did a lot of renovations on the old pub. It was the first brick building in West Wyalong."
Then the knockout.
"When you reach Tamworth we (at the motel) will have a cheque for $200 for you," he said.
Left Newlo delighted and made Barry Walton's day.
It reminded us of a few other heartwarming moments along the way.
Like sitting in the Balranald Ex-Servicemens Club having a punt with Barry and ride captain Rick Lavers.
A lady and her husband, on their way around a Australia, dropped $50 on the table after a win.
Or racecaller Steve Hawkins, a mate of Newlo's, who was working at Albion Park dogs that day.
He not only tips us a good winner at the dogs but then puts over a plug for the ride on SKY Racing.
Then there was the bowls night at Hay Bowling and Golf Club, where club secretary manager Bob Weston, handed over a cheque for $1200.
Or one the first day out in Coolah when Steve Billett charges close to cost price for a new tyre to go on the breakfast van trailer.
He is waiting for the riders us to return next week (Wednesday) to celebrate with us across the road. Should be a good night.