Newbie Playbook?

Unfathomable Bastid · 05-10-2013, 09:43 AM

Hey Brethren,

I'm ready to step up my game this Summer through competition. Was wondering if there is a thread somewhere that walks me through some of the basic strategy of competition, and can help me navigate the process. I'm in Michigan (Detroit area). Among the things I'd be interested in is:

- Equipment
- Useful Accessories
- Schedules/Timing
- Prep Strategy
- Box Creation

Not looking to steal anyone's secrets. I can cook my own competition Q. But the logistical side of competition seems to be a learning process I'm trying to cut down on.

Any help is hugely appreciated!

-Bastid

columbia1 · 05-10-2013, 09:58 AM

The best, and quickest way to learn those aspects would to be hooking up with another team as a "pit-bitc$" for one full competition. Nothing beats hands on experience. Be prepared to run errands, wash dishes, and what every else needs to get done.(bring beer)

Ford · 05-10-2013, 10:05 AM

Great Lakes BBQ association. Event next weekend I think in eagle lake. Go out and look and talk to people.

Stoke&Smoke · 05-10-2013, 10:14 AM

Start here grasshopper http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=13677

Seriously. Just about all you need to know is right here on this site.

Unfathomable Bastid · 05-10-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoke&Smoke

Start here grasshopper http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=13677

Seriously. Just about all you need to know is right here on this site.

Holy CRAP there's a lot of information in that thread! Guess I have my reading set for me tonight! Thanks Stoke for pasting that here for me. I believe that's what I'm looking for...

-Bastid

sweetracks · 05-10-2013, 10:22 AM

Eagle should be a good opportunity to get your feet wet and you can get more info at that here:

http://www.glbbqa.com/

Also, If you are willing to make the trek over to the Chicago area, memorial day weekend, you could shadow the Sweet Racks & Smokin' Butts crew

Porcine Perfection · 05-10-2013, 10:24 AM

I bought

this book

as I didn't realize the thread mentioned by stoke&smoke above.

landarc · 05-10-2013, 10:59 AM

There are a few good books, Starting the Fire, as JP said, is a good one.

But, there is also going out and working with an established team, even just being a helper, it really shows you what it's all about.

K-Train · 05-10-2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP7794

I bought this book as I didn't realize the thread mentioned by stoke&smoke above.

Good place to start

VA BBQ PIRATES · 05-10-2013, 11:57 AM

This might be helpful:

http://www.bbq-pirates-va.com/bbqcompetitiontips.html

Stoke&Smoke · 05-10-2013, 12:51 PM

Yep, Georges book is a good one! I have a copy I'd be willing to forward to someone.
We'll be at Westmont memorial day weekend also....we can show ya what NOT to do Bastid'

Mahoney86 · 05-10-2013, 01:23 PM

I am in the same boat, have been looking for a team to help out at at comp or charity events etc... Glad you posted this thread and thanks everyone for contributing some info for us news!

Kave Dweller · 05-10-2013, 01:35 PM

You can always just sign up and do one. You figure a lot out quick, keep a notebook of what you need next time.

05-10-2013, 09:43 AM	#1
Unfathomable Bastid Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 09-23-10 Location: Commerce Township, Michigan	Newbie Playbook? Hey Brethren, I'm ready to step up my game this Summer through competition. Was wondering if there is a thread somewhere that walks me through some of the basic strategy of competition, and can help me navigate the process. I'm in Michigan (Detroit area). Among the things I'd be interested in is: - Equipment - Useful Accessories - Schedules/Timing - Prep Strategy - Box Creation Not looking to steal anyone's secrets. I can cook my own competition Q. But the logistical side of competition seems to be a learning process I'm trying to cut down on. Any help is hugely appreciated! -Bastid __________________ [I][COLOR=red][B]WSM 22.5"/DigiQ DX2[/B][/COLOR][/I] (I cheat :-D) [B][COLOR=green]UDS Smoker[/COLOR][/B] (built myself though I'm a moron) Weber Performer 22.5" - Charcoal Weber Genesis E-310 - Gas Weber Smokey Joe (A RED one!)

05-10-2013, 09:58 AM	#2
columbia1 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 01-15-12 Location: Kalama Wa.	The best, and quickest way to learn those aspects would to be hooking up with another team as a "pit-bitc$" for one full competition. Nothing beats hands on experience. Be prepared to run errands, wash dishes, and what every else needs to get done.(bring beer) __________________ [URL="http://tombstonebbq.com"]"Tombstone BBQ"[/URL] PNWBA Board Member and Certified Judge. KCBS Custom 72" reverse flow smoker, 18" WSM, Weber Elite, ECB. and misc grills. [URL="https://www.facebook.com/TombstoneBbq?ref=hl"]Tombstone BBQ on Facebook[/URL]

05-10-2013, 10:05 AM	#3
Ford is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 04-14-07 Location: Lakeland Florida	Great Lakes BBQ association. Event next weekend I think in eagle lake. Go out and look and talk to people. __________________ Ford Retired competition cook. BBQ mentor.

05-10-2013, 10:14 AM	#4
Stoke&Smoke Babbling Farker Join Date: 12-18-07 Location: Western burbs of Chicago, IL	Start here grasshopper http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=13677 Seriously. Just about all you need to know is right here on this site. __________________ 2 Skinny Cooks Competition Team [URL]http://2SkinnyCooks.blogspot.com[/URL] KCBS CJ/TC #17139 Member ILBBQS Too many cookers to list :crazy:

05-10-2013, 10:22 AM	#6
sweetracks Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 09-14-09 Location: Caledonia, MI	Eagle should be a good opportunity to get your feet wet and you can get more info at that here: http://www.glbbqa.com/ Also, If you are willing to make the trek over to the Chicago area, memorial day weekend, you could shadow the Sweet Racks & Smokin' Butts crew __________________ Where the hell did I put the smoker?!?!

05-10-2013, 10:24 AM	#7
Porcine Perfection is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 04-13-12 Location: On Lake Michigan Name/Nickname : ...	I bought this book this book as I didn't realize the thread mentioned by stoke&smoke above. __________________ Humphrey Battle Box \| WSM \| Grilla Chimp \| Weber Q1200

05-10-2013, 10:59 AM	#8
landarc somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 06-26-09 Location: sAn leAnDRo, CA	There are a few good books, Starting the Fire, as JP said, is a good one. But, there is also going out and working with an established team, even just being a helper, it really shows you what it's all about. __________________ [COLOR=DarkGreen][COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]me: I don't drink anymore Yelonutz: me either, but, then again, I don't drink any less [/SIZE][/COLOR][/COLOR][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed] [COLOR=Pink]SSS[/COLOR] [/COLOR][/SIZE]

05-10-2013, 11:57 AM	#10
VA BBQ PIRATES On the road to being a farker Join Date: 05-08-07 Location: Springfied, VA	This might be helpful: http://www.bbq-pirates-va.com/bbqcompetitiontips.html

05-10-2013, 12:51 PM	#11
Stoke&Smoke Babbling Farker Join Date: 12-18-07 Location: Western burbs of Chicago, IL	Yep, Georges book is a good one! I have a copy I'd be willing to forward to someone. We'll be at Westmont memorial day weekend also....we can show ya what NOT to do Bastid' __________________ 2 Skinny Cooks Competition Team [URL]http://2SkinnyCooks.blogspot.com[/URL] KCBS CJ/TC #17139 Member ILBBQS Too many cookers to list :crazy:

05-10-2013, 01:23 PM	#12
Mahoney86 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-19-13 Location: NJ	I am in the same boat, have been looking for a team to help out at at comp or charity events etc... Glad you posted this thread and thanks everyone for contributing some info for us news!

05-10-2013, 01:35 PM	#13
Kave Dweller Take a breath! Join Date: 06-12-12 Location: Hampshire, IL	You can always just sign up and do one. You figure a lot out quick, keep a notebook of what you need next time. __________________ "Onyxwoods" clone, a Guru and some of Tennesse's finest whiskey. Creators of "Reverse Shigging": When your competition wants to know what your doing so they know what doesn't work.