Chile Challenge- anyone ever gone?

[Brucker]

The annual Chile Challenge in southern New Mexico has always peaked my interest. Has anyone ever gone? I have wanted to go for years but am usually stuck working in the shop. This year I happen to be in El Paso at another BBQ competition the weekend before, and I could possibly drag a rig with me. Just trying to figure out if it is worth it. The extra time away from the shop, and the added expense (though if we win again cooking at the comp, that may not be a problem :D ) is what is scaring me off.

My questions:

What is the turn out like, amount of rigs/people for the 8-9 difficult rating? Are the trails friendly for non plated vehicles? Would I need to purchase an NM OHV sticker? Is there trailer parking at the trail heads? Could people run the trails the days before the event starts? Anyone going this year?

Link to the event is here: http://www.chilechallenge.org/online-registration.html

(http://www.chilechallenge.org/online-registration.html)

[Haku]

No....but I'm awfully tempted to join you if you go. BBQ and Wheeling sound like a good combo :thumb:

I always enjoy the videos from that event, so it looks like a good time. Still, Moab is a closer drive for me and its always a good time there too. If you are gonna be down near there anyway that seems like a good opportunity to try out a new get together and a new wheeling location with lots of varied terrain.

[Brucker]

No....but I'm awfully tempted to join you if you go. BBQ and Wheeling sound like a good combo :thumb:

I always enjoy the videos from that event, so it looks like a good time. Still, Moab is a closer drive for me and its always a good time there too. If you are gonna be down near there anyway that seems like a good opportunity to try out a new get together and a new wheeling location with lots of varied terrain.

I have only had the opportunity to wheel around Farmington back in my rock comp days, but no where else in NM. I have always wanted to explore a little more of the area, and like you said, it would be a good opportunity. I too have seen some unbelievable video from their events past. Don't think I would go and do the real nasty stuff though. This would likely be one of the first trips out for me since my surgery, and I don't know how long my back is going to hold out. Especially after a weekend of cooking. Probably stick to the 8-9 rated stuff to be safe.

If you like BBQ, you should find any way you can to try some our my buddy's. My wife and I were fortunate enough to team up with him for our first professional event in NM over the 4th. This was our friend Reid's (you may have met him at the viewing party) 2nd pro outing. We took 2nd in Chicken, 4th in Ribs, and 5th over all. We were pretty proud of ourselves considering it is a real Kansas City BBQ Association event. Here is a link to the last event: http://www.kcbs.us/event/5477/pork-brew-bbq-state-championship We are Team Jolly Roger Bar-B-Crew

And a link to a write up of the event on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/oscar.thehound/media_set?set=a.874629522631186.100002524393874&type=3