BBQ Events: Hudson Valley Ribfest

13 days to go to the Hudson Valley Ribfest.

I'm cooking with friends who I've never cooked with before. This should be interesting. We're signed up to do both the NEBS grilling contest on Saturday and the KCBS event on Sunday. That Sunday is also my 45th birthday. Shit, I'm old. We're signed up to cook fish, lamb, sausage and beef steak on Saturday and chicken, ribs, pork shoulder and beef brisket on Sunday.

Since I'm the only one on the team to have any experience with a full blown KCBS event, the rest of the team is looking at me as the expert. This is making me a bit apprehensive as both of the Mikes have competed before at Grillin' On The Bay and they cook with each other during the year. They know how to cook together. I've done contests, but I really don't know what to expect from both of them and how I'll fit into the mix. One Mike is definitely the more serious cook, but the other is a "git er done" type of guy. They've never let me down, I just hope I can live up to their expectations of me.

I've got to remember my own advice written way back when I attended my first barbecue event...

1. Don't worry about the food too much. You've cooked enough Q to allow your instincts to direct you.
2. Have fun.
3. Don't be a chicken shit - just do it!