Competitive BBQ...

We have never seen what goes on at a BBQ competition.  Denny and Debbie Stuck (friends from our sailing club days have been competing in these and this was a chance to see them while we're here.

And, get some great riding in on the way to Hill City (where the competition was being held)...

That image above is a view you've seen before if you regularly read here - it is one of my favorite "road views" in this area.  And, this is one of my favorite "road shots"...

Working our way to Iron Mountain Road, we stopped for a water break at a shady spot in a pull out...

When we first got here, they had just resurfaced Iron Mountain Road, and it had no striping.  Before the Rally, they managed to get the yellow center line in.  And now (finally), they have the white striping at the edge of the road done (about time)...

It looks like a real road again.  Interesting sign...

Bad curve?  It should say, "Fun Curve Ahead!"  Another glimpse of Mt Rushmore along the way...

We pulled off at an overlook parking area to determine which way we should take to Hill City (highway or curvy road... guess which was our choice).  When pulling out, a group of Harley Riders came around the curve; we waited to see if they were pulling in... yep.  Joan pulled out with only two of those riders left, and they didn't pull in.  I waited for them to pass, putting the Harleys between us... and no one else on the road.  I had an idea what Joan would do... yep, she put the coals to it.  It was funny watching those Harley riders trying to keep up with her.  Not as funny: I couldn't get a photo because I had to hold on with both hands to try to keep up, as well.

After a bunch of curves and both "splits" (where the road separates into a single lane), Joan pulled off the road to let them pass... and for me to catch up.  I like to think I am a good rider... but Joan really does tear through the curves when she wants... she is a very smooth rider.

The Harley riders got slowed down at one of the single lane tunnels and switchback curves...

From there, it was through Keystone and onto the county road (Old Hill City Road) with more fun curves.  We weren't the only ones enjoying the road...

Rolling into Hill City, we discovered what a big draw the BBQ competition is...

We managed to find a parking spot (as a car pulled out - good timing), and went to check out the BBQ goings on.  Plenty of people...

We didn't have much time to visit with the Stucks - they were plenty busy serving up pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.  The way it works here: you buy tokens at that booth, then use the tokens to get samples of the different competitors BBQ offerings.

We went back to Stuck's set up for a second helping - they had the longest line - where we used our last token and put our People's Choice ticket (vote) in their container.

More wandering...

Then, back to the bikes for the ride home.  This was parked right by us...

I'm guessing they had to go with the "zz" at the end of that personalized plate to get it past the DMV people.  ;-)

The ride home was just as fun - curves all the way.  We stopped about half way home so I could take my jacket off; Joan and I visited a bit: "Do you notice that the roads have a different personality depending on which direction you are riding them?"  I like that last road better one way, Joan liked it best the other.  Doesn't matter - it was good both ways!

:-)