Tanning with Shirtless Mike's

9:12am-- Unquestionably, the best part of competitive bbq is the proximity we share to decades of 'que'n expertise. Last night we had the opportunity to watch a fellow competition team, 3Bs from good ole Bal'mer, prep and start a hog on a beautiful custom trailer/smoker (est. retail price-- 45k).

Bartholomew, the hog, spent the night smoking over a bed of coals and, judging by the look of him this morning, had the hue of a long island girl who spent the friday before spring break in a tanning bed and accidentally dozed off.

Whole hog is a feat of barbecue mastery I've always found intimidating. Thanks to some great advice and a long "how to" session, it feels a little less so.

I came here to learn, but I had no idea the intensity of the learning process and the value of simple instruction from a seasoned vet.

One day soon, Bartholomew's cousin Chester will be tanning with Shirtless Mikes.
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