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A guy collapsed at the 2023 Ribfest in Naperville and I don't sauce my ribs the same way anymore
I was working a booth at Ribfest in Naperville back in 2023 when a guy about 60 feet from me just dropped. Heat was 94, he had been standing over his offset all morning in a black shirt, and by the time the medics got to him he was gray. Turns out he had been drinking nothing but soda and coffee since 5am and never once stepped into the shade. Ever since that day I keep a cooler of cold water right behind my pit and I make myself drink a full cup every 45 minutes, no exceptions. I also picked up a cheap pop up awning for $70 that I set up even when it's only 80 out, because standing in full sun over a 250 degree fire for 12 hours will sneak up on you. The thing is, nobody at these events talks about the heat, they only want to argue about sauce and wood. So I'm saying it now. If you're going to a cookoff this summer, plan your water and shade before you plan your rub. What do you folks do to stay upright during a long cook in July?
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wilson.joseph21d ago
I read a thing from a medic that said by the time you feel thirsty you're already behind on water, which tracks with that guy slamming soda and coffee all day. I started doing half water half gatorade in a jug and it keeps me from getting that shaky feeling around hour 8. That pop up awning was money well spent too, shade makes a bigger difference than people give it credit for.
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