Results/Reflections from my first comp (lots of pics)

[enasnidx]

Ok, so it was just a little backyard comp, but I had a lot of fun. At the Isanti County Fair (Minnesota) this past Saturday. There were 6 competitors Q'ing spare ribs. It was free to enter, bring your own meat, so it was an easy, low cost trial at competition BBQ. I took 2nd place and was awarded $30 and a rack of ribs.:whoo:

I took good notes and learned a few things for next time. On to the pron...
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j139/enasnidx/Isanti%20County%20Fair%20BBQ%20Rib%20Contest/100_5530.jpg
I had the UDS set up. It was great getting looks and comments from everyone. None of them had ever seen one before.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j139/enasnidx/Isanti%20County%20Fair%20BBQ%20Rib%20Contest/100_5531.jpg
Out of the foil and back on the rack...
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j139/enasnidx/Isanti%20County%20Fair%20BBQ%20Rib%20Contest/100_5540.jpg
Sauce is set, time to box it up.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j139/enasnidx/Isanti%20County%20Fair%20BBQ%20Rib%20Contest/100_5542.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j139/enasnidx/Isanti%20County%20Fair%20BBQ%20Rib%20Contest/100_5544.jpg
My first turn in box! (not too pretty)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j139/enasnidx/Isanti%20County%20Fair%20BBQ%20Rib%20Contest/100_5549.jpg

I've got a lot of room for improvement. The ribs weren't quite as tender as they needed to be, but the taste was spot on. Most importantly I had fun and drank beer!

[Crash]

Congrats bro. We all start somewhere and as long as you had fun...that's really all that matters.

Good job on that 2nd place call.

[BoneDaddy's]

not to be the judging police, but no gloves when you build the box!

[Lake Dogs]

Congrats. Looking at the box, remember that if possible the meat should sit on top of garnish, not necessarily in the garnish. It starts to get like a forest in there. Also the two outside ribs on the left. Before putting themin the box, try to trim off those excess pieces of meat (clean up the lines). Or, if you cant, reverse the rib top/bottom and put those underneath the top ribs so it's hidden. Presentation/Appearance score is just that. Once a just starts to grab meat that score is complete. You can hid a few sins if you must.

For handling/cutting the meat, get you some $9.50/100 Nitrile gloves (not latex; some people are allergic). You can get 'em at WalMart or online most anywhere, even Amazon.

[Big George's BBQ]

If going to compete get a canopy for protection from the elements- rain and sun Congrats Glad you had fun