The Silly Chili triathlon is both something athletic and social to do with your family or significant other on the Remembrance Day holiday.  It goes like this:

1. Run (13:00 - 14:00).  An interval session of about one (1) hour on a wide gravel trail next to a rushing river. Warm-up jog from the start at the Griffin Gym up Mosquito Creek to the yellow bridge. Set your watch, then run or walk up to the bridge at Mount Royal Boulevard and back as many times as you want.  (Figure 12-16 minutes per round trip.) Jog back to the gym.

2. Swim (14:00 - 15:00). Do laps, play murder ball, do cannon-balls off the high board or just stew in the hot tub, steam room or sauna.  It's only a few bucks to get in and there is lots of free parking available. Heads-up: They clear kids out at 3:00.

3. Chili cook-off (15:00 - whenever). Just like in Texas. (Well almost. It is hard to get armadillo meat in Vancouver.)   You are either a chili chef, you're a chili taster or both.  Given the size of the kitchen, the number of chefs is limited to ten (10).  Signup is first come, first served, so especially if you're out for the prestigious culinary bragging rights, sign-up early!

Chefs:  Rather than spending the afternoon cooking, we ask that you bring your favorite chili so it can be reheated. (Chili recipe thoughts below.  Ideally, bring your chili in a slow cooker so it's easy to keep warm and serve.) Give your chili a name for the competition and, if you're willing, your five-star recipe to share.

Tasters:  Sign-up to contribute an appie, a desert or something to complement a deliscious bowl of chili.  Thoughts include:  a pot of rice, cornbread, tortillas, guacamole, pie, cookies, or ???

This is serious stuff!  Everyone will get a rating card and be asked to rate what they sample out of 10. 

 confirm if you will join us here.

Other:

• Rain or shine.
• You are most welcome to do any one or all legs of the triathlon.
• Since the chili cook-off will be in our kitchen, I'd appreciate it if you would confirm if you plan to attend leg 3. Maximum 10 chili chefs as otherwise, we'll be cooking outdoors and it's usually cold and rainy in mid-November. 
• there may be a hot chili pepper-eating competition.  Beware... the last person to take on Machray ended up in the bathroom for about a half hour and can't remember why!
• Kid friendly. Keep in mind that this is a grueling ultra triathlon (just kidding! It's a family event and an excuse for a party.) You are responsible for your own safety on the trails, in the pool and when digesting fiery chilies. You realize there is no babysitting, so won't get carried away with the libations and forget your child/children in our playroom. You understand that there are lots of toys for the 7-13 year old crowd as well as some unguarded stairs and lots of little toys that could be, but should not be, eaten with chili or washed down with beer.
• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowl, Bring Your Own Beer) and either your favorite chili or something else to share.
• There is no fee (other then the pool admission) and you don't need to be a member of Club Fat Ass to participate in a Flash event. You are responsible for your own well being and safety and should be self sufficient. If this is your first CFA event, you should be aware that whining about the athletic part may elicit comments of "Wimp" or "Wuss" by your adult peers or their kids.
• Please read the Release of All Claims. By participating in this event you agree to its the terms.

Notes from Previous Years

Year 1 - Overview, Results and Recipes, Debate on What's a Real Chili (1), Debate cont'd (2)

Year 2 - Overview, Results and Recipes

Hints and Tips for a Chili Cook-off

Here are some great links for chili recipes and the philosophy of a chili cook-off:

International Chili Society. Lots of lore and legend and a few good recipes. Goodness, some people really get excited about cooking chili!

Texas-Style Chili Recipes

Lore, Legend and Good Links to Recipes