Curiosity peaked and taste buds teased, I once again climbed on my bike (wrapped up in an insulated full-body suit) and headed out to another barbecue competition this one in Rio Rancho, NM some 486 miles from home. Traveling alone could be an invitation for trouble; therefore, as a female I am very alert, edgy, and cautious about where I am and who I talk to when out and about. While stopped to eat in Gallup, NM at the Cracker Barrel, I was approached by a very TALL and somewhat imposing man who commented on my suit [horribly bulky & unattractive] saying that I ought to be warm. We politely but briefly discussed the interesting method devised to carry all my stuff on the back of my ride [giant suitcase rigged to a crudely custom sissy bar] before his friends joined him and we parted ways. As he was strolling to his truck, the back of their t-shirts sporting a picture of a goat, I realized we’d meet again.
Arriving Thursday afternoon, windblown but not cold, once again I was welcomed into the fold by KCBS Reps Gene, Merl, Carole, and [new to me] Lew Miller. That evening I attended a judging class as a visitor and had my first experience as a quasi table captain. Terrified I’d drop a box of pork in the laps of new judges, I hesitantly offered to help and when the time came managed to accomplish the task mostly unscathed. There were a few remarks made by the newly trained judges on my attire as I was layered up in four shirts and a jacket – freezing by then and fated to be colder still.
Friday in Rio Rancho dawned sunny but as the day wore on a slight breeze turned into frigid gale force winds, toppling tents and creating much havoc. In the face of impending disaster, organizers, teams, judges, reps, vendors, volunteers, police, and fire fighters all wrestled to keep things on the ground. Despite the collapse of the judging tent, loss of valuable prep time, postponement of public activities, and eating fair amounts of gritty sand their attitudes remained tolerant and smiles could still be found.
Saturday’s weather was much improved and with the judging tent reinstalled the competition proceeded without further mayhem. This year’s competition, the 8th annual, has been moved to a more temperate time of year and I hope everyone enjoys a memorable but less windy event.
I did meet that tall imposing man and his friends again when they arrived to judge at this event. Mike Love was his name, from the Smokin’ Goatheads, a team from Lake Havasu, AZ. Some good-natured ribbing ensued.
Special thanks go to the organizer of the competition and his volunteers. Art Perez, as illustrated by his playful attire, is extremely approachable, friendly, and willingly shared his insight into barbecue competitions. I still smile when I see his photograph!