Cut ribs apart and place in a large pot (I usually use my stock pot).
Cover with cold water.
Add pickling spices, onions, and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer for 1 hour, until ribs are cooked through.
Turn off heat, cover, and leave the ribs resting in the liquid until ready to grill.
Remove ribs from water and place on a platter when ready to grill. Heat through on the grill, basting with BBQ sauce until well coated and the sauce sets.