A couple of Comp q's

Yessir,you will be burning pure wood pellets -just like the other Texas cooks using FEC s for comps.

I plan on starting in 08. I live in the Dallas area. Is there a bbq association you recommend I can join.

Well the Kansas City BBQ Assoc is the largest,and nationwide.

Many Texas folks and comp cooks belong to it.

I'll let Smokin' Okie,or some of the Texas folks recommend some,or all the Texas assoc.

quote:

Originally posted by Derek:
I plan on starting in 08. I live in the Dallas area. Is there a bbq association you recommend I can join.

Check here. http://www.google.com/search?q=texas+bbq+associations&s...1B3GGGL_enUS176US229

I have only been in two comps, but both were LSBS. Since I work fulltime, I can't spend a lot of time traveling.

At both comps my biggest problems were time spent answering questions about the FEs, and an alarm clock that didn't go off when it was supposed to. The FEs performed the way they were supposed to, and there were no rule problems.

I hope to be able to go to Jacksboro Aug 17-18. Not sure where you are in Texas, but if you're around, stop by and say hello. If it's like my first two comps, they'll be the only FEs around.

I live just South of Dallas. Anto learn and d thats my problem too. WORK. I work full time, but I want to use my vacation time in 2008 to cook in comps. I bought myself an 08 last Xmas. And the Q I have put out is amazing. IMO. I have always wanted to get into comp Q'ing. I know I will get smoked. (Pun Intended) But I love the thought of the comp. Im 30 years old and have alot of Q'ing to learn and do. So any advise for this tinderfoot would be great.

www.ibcabbq.org is the link to a sanctioning group in Texas which has a calendar of events in the area. Go to one and talk to the competitors and judge if possible. Their next one is in West, TX.

www.kcbs.us is the link to another group. None of their cookoffs are in TX to the best of my knowledge, the closest is up in OK.

Check out both groups rules and judging procedures and decide which you like.

We prefer the KCBS due to the feedback from judging and judging criteria. Most of the OK cookoffs can be reached in about 4 hours or less so if you leave Dallas by three, you can be there and ready to go. The reps work with you and allow late meat inspection and missed cooks meeting if necessary.

Mack

Many of the sanctioned events are carried in the National BBQ news.

Here is their page of events' schedule.

Schedules

quote:

blowers

ALWAYS ask them before you compete. There are some that won't let FE's compete (but they let the offsets use a blower).

Just find their website, ask them about FE's.

I'd also suggest just going to a few this year, before next year and make some friends. Ask and practice this year and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches.

Any other comp questions, be happy to help out.

Russ

IBCA and LSBS both have comps in your area. FE's are legal in either org. An unsanctioned comp in Texas might be another story You will have to drive out of Texas to go to another org. The rules and schedules are on their websites. http://www.lonestarbarbecue.com/

I am going to the one in Grand Prairie @ traders village. I am looking at the others within 3-4 hour drive. I plan on going to atleast 4-5 this year. Just to watch and talk and learn. Thank you guys for all the help so far. Do most of you use FE's or other smokers at the comps? And should I start a bbq comp business for the expenses, write off my FE, meat, miles, ect... If any of you guys are cooking in a comp soon, and are short on help. Let me know. I would be happy to help out in anyway.

My teammate Ribdog is an accountant./Certified Financial Planner and he'll probably check in.

Other member is a cater/vendor/comp cook.

There are reasons you may not want to,unless you are making good money at other phases of the business.

I personally don't claim expenses.

Most comp cooks on here use FEC s at comps.

Good luck, Derek. If I can be of any help go to my website for contact info. Call me I'de be glad to answer any questions.
Bill
billandthedixiechicksbbq.com

Hey, Derek.

I just sent my entry fee for Naples, TX IBCA comp that's August 31 & Sept. 1. I'll be cooking on an FE. You're more than welcome to come out and hang on Saturday.

Candy, BBQr's Delight

I just looked up the Naples comp. I will be there Saturday. And I will stop by. I am working on my name and will be joining the IBCA in the next few days. I really appreciate everyones help so far. This is going to be fun

All I can say is be careful about setting up a business just so you can write off your contest expenses. With the IRS, you want to be able to fly in under the radar. Not too far under, just under.

Of course, if you do have a regular catering business, then you should have good justification. Otherwise, I would think twice.

Thats why I asked. Just trying to get my ducks in a row. Thanks for the advice.

Tom,

Thanks for the bbq news link. Just ordered it.