The Jack 2007 (Part 2)

It had been almost a week since The Jack. What an incredible experience. I can't imagine what it would be like to compete. Just attending the festivities was somewhat overwhelming. I want to congratulate all that participated. Several teams that we have competed with were there. Lynchburg's own Late Night Whiskey Smokers finished 8th overall, Smokey Mountain Smokers finished 14th, J-Mack Cookers finished 25th, and Lotta Bull finished 40th. It gives me great pride to say I have cooked with some of the BEST BBQ'rs IN THE WORLD. Who knows maybe someday the DoRags will make it to Lynchburg! I want to offer congratulations to Grand Champion Moonswiners, and Reserve Grand Champion Habitual Smokers. Great job!

I also want to thank Brenda and Terry of High on the Hawg for "Hookin us up". Brenda and Terry were working as volunteers and just so happened to get assigned to the grazing table. The grazin table is where the left over food is brought from the judges tables. The food is usually laid out for the volunteers to enjoy. Several small bites seemed to make it our way. I actually said "No More Please". I think I gained 5 lbs without drinking a beer! Like the judges, we did not know who cooked what we sampled, I was somewhat surprised to learn that in my opinion the Q that we cook was is some cases as good as what we sampled. I expected to taste something out of this world and except for one piece of chicken, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying there wasn't some unbelievable BBQ turned in, we only sampled a fraction of the turn in. In a way it renewed my confidence that our product is at least in the same ballpark.

In closing, The Jack is a special place and time for those who compete and those who attend. A time that many won't soon forget. I can't wait for next year!