It was down the canal road for tonight’s hash from FD’s place. For weeks we have heard about the great Rib Off between FD and Shrek, so we knew the food should be special, and after missing a few weeks because of vacation, work and exhaustion, it was nice to get back out on trail.
I set off with Cartoon in the standard start to the run, with the expected circle check – he may as well just fix a permanent circle there! It is 50/50, and this time I chose left, which was right. Too early to start running, so I walked along letting Emma Royde & Shrek nearly catch me by the next couple of checks, which I also got correct – straight on to the hills. A V check to the left, a V check to the right – I was on a roll and still not really running yet. Then a circle in the middle of a sticker patch. Overgrown trails around, but just those ugly grass seeds sticking in my feet. Emma Royde and Pigshit seemed to spend more time sitting down picking at their feet than running!
The pack was sticking together and I drifted along in the middle. I wasn’t feeling too great and had to pause at one point to empty my stomach. I lost some ground, and the found myself with Piggy towards the back. I could have easily short cut my way back, but that wasn’t the point, and with the checks it didn’t take long for me to get back near the front. It cooled off a bit, and I started feeling better. Navigating my way forward, it seemed Cartoon was setting the pace, but he got a circle badly wrong going up an unnecessary hill in the wrong direction. Shrek took control, and with Scum chasing him down he blitzed through a few checks. I was running now, but the two of them ahead weren’t letting up. Titty Smoker was on my heels as we got to the penultimate check. That was GAME OVER for Shrek – too bad buddy! The trail was a gentle decline, so the afterburners were lit and I think the whole pack was pushing it chasing Scum to the last check. Game Over Scum! I rounded the corner and picked up the paper trail. A glance over my shoulder showed Piggy chasing me down, but I knew I was close to home, and he was too far back. ON IN!
A civilised circle sat on Frozen’s back porch. Note to self – bring spare socks next week, and a jacket – it is starting to get colder! Finally it was time for the main event and the chefs hit the kitchen. For me there was a clear winner, but I’m sure everyone has their own taste, and being honest I could never claim to be a ribs expert. The potato salad competition was an unexpected bonus – for me that was much harder to call, but I suspect both competitors had help! Cheers to all for a great evening!