Planning a big BBQ Trip

[erichasaces]

I'm trying to plan a big bbq trip in advance for the first half of next year. The idea is to compete in as many bbq comps in the span of 9-10 days as possible, and possibly do some sightseeing in between. I know I've seen some comps before where the organizer throws back to back competitions, so I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on which ones of those would be the most fun. Outside of those, what are the most prestigous/most fun/can't miss/etc competitions in the first half of the year?

 

[INmitch]

My favorite Comp trip is doing Sevierville TN then spending 4-5 days in Gatlinburg at Twincreeks campground. Then on down to Evans GA on Memorial weekend. Awesome Comp and festival. Neither of these are doubles but they are well organized and a ton of tough competitors.

 

[erichasaces]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look them up. Anyone else have any suggestions for great competitions?

 

[BillyVoltaire]

There is always Memphis in May...

BV

 

[Ron_L]

How far do you want to travel? Red, White and BBQ in Westmont, IL on Memorial Day weekend is a doubleheader and is a great competition.

 

[ynotfehc]

Last year Boone, Iowa had a back to back, then the next weekend there was another back to back in Appleton, Wisconsin. They also had another prize pool based on the combined scores for anyone that competed in both.

 

[SOB]

Look around 4th of july. With it being on a Monday you could do a Friday Saturday contest then Liberty, MO on Sunday Monday.

If a double happens somewhere close you could do 3 contest in four days.

 

[erichasaces]

How far do you want to travel? Red, White and BBQ in Westmont, IL on Memorial Day weekend is a doubleheader and is a great competition.

I'd like to keep it inside the continental US, but other than that I'm pretty open!

 

[erichasaces]

Last year Boone, Iowa had a back to back, then the next weekend there was another back to back in Appleton, Wisconsin. They also had another prize pool based on the combined scores for anyone that competed in both.

That sounds awesome. I'll have to start looking at schedules to see if they are doing that again.

 

[erichasaces]

There is always Memphis in May...

BV

I think for my "big" single contest this year we will do the Royal. I'm not sure I'd know how to handle the whole presentation thing.

 

[ynotfehc]

Its tough to find 4comps in 10 days with top level teams competing, especially only a few hrs drive. Appleton is on the kcbs schedule, Boone isnt yet. From Boone to Appleton you have plenty to see and do to fill the time as well.

 

[arrowhead]

Frisco CO June 17/18 and Leadville CO June 24/25. The highest competitions in the US. Frisco at 9100 ft and Leadville at 10,400 ft. You can be part of a world record if you compete at Leadville. An individual from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to record it as the highest comp in the world.

There certainly is a lot to do and see in between.

 

[erichasaces]

Frisco CO June 17/18 and Leadville CO June 24/25. The highest competitions in the US. Frisco at 9100 ft and Leadville at 10,400 ft. You can be part of a world record if you compete at Leadville. An individual from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to record it as the highest comp in the world.

There certainly is a lot to do and see in between.

How much are times and temps affected at those kind of altitudes? Is it something easy to adapt to?

 

[arrowhead]

How much are times and temps affected at those kind of altitudes? Is it something easy to adapt to?

It basically takes a little bit longer. For example water boils at 212 at sea level. In Denver it's 205. So it doesn't get as hot because of the altitude.

Not sure how you can practice that.

 

[Scottie]

There is one in Wyoming, then a Wednesday contest in Montana, then on Friday there is another in Wyoming. All right by Yellowstone

 

[erichasaces]

There is one in Wyoming, then a Wednesday contest in Mintana, then on Friday there is another in Wyoming. All right by Yellowstone

That's a good one! It's a bit of a trip, but that's kind of the point right?

 

[arrowhead]

That's a good one! It's a bit of a trip, but that's kind of the point right?

The middle contest, the montana state fair, is not going to happen next year. Budget cuts.

 

[swinebucks]

I hope you will not dismiss Memphis In May out of hand. Every year my team Too Sauced To Pork opens its membership to Brethren so they can experience the contest on a team from the inside. Last year we had about 30 people from the US and some foreign countries join out team. Our budget for MIM last year was $17,000.00 and it will be about the same this year. Far too much for small KCBS teams to afford, but together will have three days of the greatest contest in the country. 250 teams on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi from May 12 to the 14th. You can assist some of the cooks or just have fun. Everything food, beverages (we have a full bar) and admission are included. If you would like more information visit our web site. www.tosaucedtopork.com

 

[Gowan]

There will be another double in Rome Georgia at the airshow the last weekend in October next year.

 

[swinebucks]

Sorry I made a mistake in my web address but I was not able to edit it. The correct information is www.toosaucedtopork.com