The Amazing Race 10 Blog

Amazing Race 11

2007-01-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

Yes! We'll be back, blogging all the action of Amazing Race All Stars on our Amazing Race 11 Blog. Check it out!

From Spain to New York (E13 - Season Finale)

2006-12-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Teams set out from the last pit stop looking for a local church that has been under construction for the past 124 years. Once there, they had to search the park for their next clue. In the dark, teams had problems finding & searching the right park but all teams eventually located the clue, a black & white of the Eiffel Tower. Teams raced for the airport, where they had to wait until the ticket counters opened at 4am. Rob & Kim got the first flight out at 6am but there was only one seat left, which left the models & Bama to scramble for another flight: the models via Air France @ 7:05am & Bama via Iberia at 7:25am. The saving grace for Bama was that they landed in Orly, which was closer to the Eiffel Tower than the Charles de Gaulle airport, and after a quick taxi ride, they reached the clue box on the third level of the Eiffel Tower first.

Next, teams raced to the train station to take a train to Caen, where they had to locate the airport. All teams were on the 12:25pm train. Once at the Caen Airport, teams found themselves up against a RoadBlock - Who's ready to storm the beach? One team member had to tandem skydive 13,000 ft to Omaha Beach while their partner was taken into an aerial nosedive. Then both team members had to make their way to the Bayeux train station: one on their own by taxi and the other being driven after landing at the beach. Rob bitched and moaned because Kim volunteered to take on the challenge before they found out it was skydiving. But Lynn's face when the pilot took her into the nosedive was priceless!

Once at the train station, teams then had to take a train back into Paris, find the Place de la Concorde and search for their clue. All the teams bought tickets on the 5:23pm train. Trying to think ahead, Rob & Kim decided to go to the local Post Office to change some of their USD to Euros. While they were away from the station, another train pulled in for Caen at 5:10pm. Rob & Kim had a mini panic attack when they got back and both the other teams were gone. Luckily for them, they caught up at Caen for their connecting train to Paris. Once in Paris, the models had problems getting a taxi, while Bama and Rob & Kim raced off for the next clue.

Teams found themselves with a choice as the route marker revealed a Detour. In this Detour, teams had a choice between Art and Fashion. In Art, teams had to pick up a painting and transport it through the streets of Paris to a specific artist in order to get their next clue. In Fashion, teams had to Anatomy Fashions, where they had to create a jacket by cutting & pinning the pieces together in order to get their next clue. Drawing on their "fitting" experience, the models excelled and finished the task before the other teams, who found the designer's "no" to be annoying.

The teams then raced to the airport to catch flights to their final destination..... NEW YORK!! Bama hoped that their luck would hold with Orlay Airport but found out that there were no flights to New York from there and the ticketing agents couldn't help them reserve anything for the other airport. After arriving at the airport first, the models find that the earliest flight is at 8:25am but it's already full. They put themselves on the waitlist but booked seats for a 9:35am flight with another airline. After laying on a sob story, Rob & Kim were able to get tickets for the 8:25am Air France flight. The next morning, Bama & the models wait impatiently to find out if they can get seats on the same flight. Unfortunately for Bama, the models manage to get tickets and join Rob & Kim on the flight. Bama is out of the race before they even get back to the US.

Once in New York, the models and Rob & Kim race to find the Daily News building and the giant globe housed inside. Due to the lack of an EZ pass, the models' taxi zips passed Rob & Kim at the toll. Once they found the building and their next clue, the teams had to locate a sculpture, The Alamo, in the East Village and the young woman in a yellow cap to receive their next and final clue. After some running around, the models reached the sculpture first. Their final clue/task: convince a NY cabbie to drive them to Garrison in Putnam County. Once there, they had to find St. Basil Academy, where they would find their Final Pit Stop. Without much suspense, the models raced to the mat first and won both the race & the million dollars. In a mini twist, Phil had a cell phone that they were allowed to use to call their family members at home to tell them the good news right away.

It was a close race up until the end. The three teams jockeyed for position throughout the entire leg. Each team came in first to one of the clue boxes at least once but in the end it was travel arrangements that spelled the downfall for the two teams that didn't win. Through no fault of their own, too. It could have just as easily been the models who got the taxi that didn't have a toll pass.

Congratulations, Tyler & James!

On the Finale of the Amazing Race....

2006-12-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

While trying to confirm whether or not the season finale would be an hour or two hours long, I came across two previews for next Sunday's episode:

Warning!! Spoilers following!!

From the CBS official AR10 website:

Next on the Amazing Race
Sunday, December 10, 8pm ET/PT

One team gets left behind at the train station.
Could this be the end of the race for this duo?

One team struggles to find a route marker. Will
they be able to catch up?

Teams battle it out in the final city. Who will
win "The Amazing Race" and take home the million dollar prize?

From the CTV AR10 website:

Sunday Dec. 10 @ 8pm ET - Race to the Finish -
The final three teams dash to the finish, with the winning pair claiming the $1
million first-place prize.

The duos begin in Alaska and race a team of sled dogs to reach a clue. Next, one member of each team dives into frigid water to claim a clue that tells them to fly to New York City. The final destination is in Flushing Meadows.

I'm not sure how accurate the CTV one is since it kind of reminds me of a previous season.... The one where one team was still in Alaska when the winning team crossed the finish line. Maybe season 1? Yeah, definitely Season 1. It was Team Guido who was still finishing tasks from the previous leg while the other two teams (Rob & Brennan and Frank & Margarita) started on the tasks for the final leg. I can still picture them being tossed up into the air to find their next clue. Now THAT was a great season! Hmmm, wonder if Rob & Brennan will be in the All-Star Season?

Return of the Racers Blog - Amazing Race 10 Blog Mention

2006-12-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

I usually post a little excerpt here from the Return of the Racers' Blog on the official Amazing Race site. The blurb this week is rather exciting (not meaning to toot our own horn or anything but it's pretty freaking cool!)

Chip A.
11/24/06 2:55pm

From Gus, Canada
Comment: “Hey Chip, Feel free to stop by our personal Blog on the Amazing Race anytime. We like to give highlights of what has happened, give our “Canadian” insite, and preview other items. It would be an honour to have you comment on any of the posts! http://amazing-race10.blogspot.com/.

Response: Wow! Thanks Gus for the offer and we love Canada..or at least I love Canada. Vancouver and Montreal and Quebec City are my favorites…Toronto is wonderful too.

As for posting on your site, please feel free to take my comments from this site what you may, if CBS says no I will let you know but for now I don’t see that it can hurt and maybe will help build a bigger fan base in Canada so eventually some Canucks will be allowed to compete. I frankly only have limited time to blog here…so cut and paste away and please feel free to have you readers ask questions on this site = increased traffic for all!

Nice email Gus!

For Gus' blog, head to the sidebar, you'll find all the authors' projects listed there. And if you're here via the official Amazing Race site, please leave us a comment we'd love to hear from you!

From Morocco to Spain (E12)

2006-12-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Starting with the models leaving at sunrise, teams race off to Casablanca to locate a local open air market. Everyone seems to be gunning to get the marked for elmination BQs out this leg since they don't see Bama as a threat for the final three. The BQs have noticed the cold shoulder but are happy to have each other. Teams were apprehensive about driving on the winding mountain road because there were no safety guard rails. Along the drive, Kim mistook the goats along the roadside for dogs and then for lambs.

Arriving in Casablanca, teams get help from locals to locate the market. Running into the market, the models find the clue in a small grassy courtyard. The clue is a Roadblock - Who has a tase for the unusual? In this Roadblock, one team member has to locate the Bouchier and get just under a pound of camel meat. They then have to find Cafe 11 then prepare the meat (grind it, season it, skewer it & give to Mohamed to grill) and then eat it to get their next clue. According the the models, it's "like a really good burger". With the help of their guide, the BQs jump passed Rob & Kim and Bama and are just finishing the task when they arrive to search for the clue. None of the teams are happy to see the girls there already. Rob & Kim and Bama had problems find the clue box but seemed to power through the task once they finally did. Karlynn & Rob were feeling the pressure of coming in behind the BQs and heckled Lynn & Kim to eat faster. "Took you long enough" Karlynn to Lynn when she finished. After eating all their camel meat, teams were told to catch a flight to Barcelona, Spain!

At the airport, all teams booked a 4:30pm flight through a travel agency. At the counter, the BQs asked the boys: "If it's a foot race to the mat, could you pretend to trip to let us get to the mat first? Wouldn't you rather have us in the final three than Rob & Kim?" The models didn't reply to them from what I saw but as they were walking away, they said no way. Once in Barcelona, teams raced to catch a taxi to take them to the Parc del Laberinf d'Horta. Unfortunately it was closed and wouldn't reopen until 10am the next day. All teams raced through the high hedge maze to its center to receive their next clue, a Detour. Bama was the first team out of the maze but the BQs, who'd ordered a taxi, and Rob & Kim were the only ones who caught a taxi right away.

For this Detour, teams had a choice between Lug it and Lob it. In Lug it, the models & the BQs had to take a taxi to a local street 4 miles away and find the bridge located along it. Once there, they had to choose a giant costume and put it on. From there, they had to search for a lady in a giant costume at the Carrer de Sant Felip Neri. Both teams arrived at approximately the same time and received their clue minutes apart. In Lob it, Bama and Rob & Kim had to travel 9 miles to the town square and search through a pile of tomatoes for a tiny clue hidden inside one of the tomatoes while locals pelted them with tomatoes. Apparently the tomatoes really hurt on impact because Kim started freaking out, screaming & crying at Rob that she wanted to quit and do the other task. After finding out that the other location was 20 miles away, Rob vetoed that plan and they found their clue shortly after. Teams were then directed to the next Pit Stop.

Teams then raced towards the Palau Nacional of Mont Juic to locate the fountain where the final three would be decided. Keeping in mind that the BQs were marked for elimination, teams raced aggressively for the mat & Phil. On the way to their taxi to head for the pit stop, Karlynn apologized to Lynn for being so moody: "I don't deal with stress well." Rob & Kim were the first team to arrive at the mat where Rob promptly gushed & cried to Phil that "it would just mean a lot to me to win." Bama was next and Phil congratulated them on being the first all female team to make the final three in the history of the Amazing Race (like Rebecca's been pointing out all along). After arriving virtually in each other's pockets, the models raced up the stairs to come in third while the BQs, after following some bad directions, came in last.

Yes, people, it has finally happened. The BQs are gone. For all those that thought I'd be dancing around my apartment after seeing this, you might be surprised. I'm actually a little sorry to see them go. They made the race interesting. I may not have liked their raceplay but they engaged me in an otherwise boring season. Though, I was a little stunned that they'd ask the boys to let them come in first if they tied for the mat. They know that they're a strong team so, why would they think the other teams would want them in the final three. I doubt that if the shoe had been on the other foot, they'd have let the models hit the mat first.

Here's the order I think the teams will hit the final mat:
1st - the models
2nd - Bama
3rd - Rob & Kim

Bama had it right when they said that their ability to stay calm was their strength. The other teams are too emotional and by "other teams" I mean Rob & Kim. The models make dumb decisions. If they think things through, they could win it. But it's almost inevitable that Rob & Kim will freak out at each other and that if they have to drive themselves anywhere, Rob will either get lost or break the car.

So, put it on your calendars, folks! Season Finale next week on Sunday; it's normally two hours so be prepared. Depending on schedules, I'll probably be watching with Gus, one of my co-contributors.

Model Undies

2006-11-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Just read about this on dingorue's site, a post about our favourite lost-in-space, cutie, recovering druggie, Tyler.

When it comes to male models, few are as prolific as those that appear on The Amazing Race. There's Freddy (of Freddy and Kendra), who wound up frolicking in the water for many a Club Med ad. Then there was Brandon, the curly-haired Christian, who's modeled for various and sundry outfitters. And now we have a new spotting. Which Amazing Racer can presently be seen adorning Hanes tighty-whitey packages across the country [TVGasm]

Nice! I'm waiting to see more of the Hippies but I'm sure we'll all get a heavy dose of the old favourites (and not-so-favourites) when the All Star season approaches.

Return of the Racers Blog

2006-11-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

Got any questions for past contestants? Chip A., being very active on the Return of the Racers Blog (and very amusing as well) put the call out for fans to contact them so they can answer some FAQ:

Hey fans...Andrew is going to help out and answer some questions...All if you want to as well please email me at chip@arndtstrategies.com.

We have some great new questions...please see past blogs before asking your questions as we are now getting a lot of repeats and we don't want to be rude and not answer you, but if we don't answer you in a few days it is probably a repeat!

Also...for some reason CBS has not turned on this week's episode's blog so our entries will continue to come udnder this week until they fix it. Sorry about that.

Keep the questions coming to either
Andrew at xracerandrew@aol.com or
Chip at chip@merchantadvantage.com

PS. Yes to one question Rob and Kimberly have the worst luck with cars...or is that another kharma thing???? :-)

Amazing Race Episode 11 Recap (From Finland to Morocco)

2006-11-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

Live Blogged from the Eastern Feed (5:00pm PT/8:00pm ET)

The Models are the first out of the gate, reading the clue they discover they need to drive to the airport then fly from Kiev, Ukraine to Morocco.

The BQs beat the Models to the ticket booth and book the first flight to Casablanca, then later book the remaining trip to their actual city destination. The Models are a little miffed because they are told the flight the BQs just booked, is full.

Rob & Kimberly discover another flight to Casablanca via Paris and the other teams book as well, all being on the same flight, behind the BQs who need to make their connection although they arrived late at the airport.

Bama is now on a 3 hour layover in Paris, Rob & Kimberly and the Models are on their way to their destination. The BQs are still stuck.

They finally arrive at the airport where the other teams are waiting and hop on the plane. They other teams are upset that their risk, taking different connecting flights, didn't pay off since they're ALL (including the BQs) are all on the same flight.

Seems like the "trick" this season is to pay to follow a taxi. Since the instructions are very specific about driving yourself, following a taxi (if you have enough money) seems to really pay off. In this leg, however, the BQ's driver is now looking for directions. Meanwhile, Bama got themselve a map earlier on and are the first to get to the clue where they all pick up a "good luck charm" to carry to the mat at the end of this leg.

They're now on their way to Atlas Studios and are warned that there is a yield ahead.

Models are parked behind the BQ's - watching them AND their cab driver get directions. Bama breezes past them all and picks up a local to help with directions.

The BQ's are soon mobbed by local mean who swarm their vehicle while they're asking everyone for directions. Harmless, really but everyone seems a lil scared. Nevertheless the BQ's have taken in a passenger to help with directions.

Rob & Kimberly, and the Models get to the clue and since there's only one clue left they all think the BQ's are ahead. They're wrong, it's Bama who's way out in front while the BQ's are getting lost even with their passenger.

Racing toward the yield, the BQ's finally get to the clue and are puzzled as to how Bama took the lead.... "What goes around comes around".

(Commercial Break)

"I can't believe that the BAMA beat us, that's a curveball," the teams are puzzled but they all seem kinda giddy. The Models have expressed how "evil" they think the BQ's are - just because they're fierce competitors. All teams are in line with each other since the gate to the studio doesn't open til morning.

There's a footrace through the gates first thing in the morning and Bama arrives last - the BQ's chose to YIELD them. "They're gonna hate us!"

ROADBLOCK : Who wants to be a gladiator?

One team member must ride a chariot through a course. "We already hated them," Bama discussed their feelings about the BQ's. Rob, Dustin and James all take to their chariots, where the horses seem to be less than cooperative.

Along the course, there were screaming crowds and flags that they needed to grab. With two of them they would complete the task. Dustin grabbed two flags first and stopped racing. Rob and James kept racing their chariots because they both still needed a flag.

Bama is still waiting at the yield as the BQ's leave, and they flip them off as them pass.

They now need to drive to a nearby town and find a cafe for their next clue. BQ's ask Rob and Kim if they want to work together as they both leave the Road Block - "The Beauty Queens are not to be trusted, but we CAN use them from time to time," says Rob as they pair up.

The Models complete the task and take off in their car, passing Rob & Kim and the BQ's since they were stopped, asking for directions. Bama flies through the Road Block with ease and hits the road. The Models are now in the lead and the BQ's decide to follow them instead.

Rob and Kim are driving on a flat tire, which the BQ's notice but don't tell them. Do they not have the WORST luck with cars?

"Bama is good with directions," so the BQ's want to make sure they beat them to the next challenge.

"We're not evil blonds, we're just competitive," while they're passing them on the highway, the BQ's finally lean out the window and alert Rob and Kim of their tire situation. The car they're in has no jack - Bama breeze by them on the road. They comment on how Rob and Kim always have car trouble. Rob throws his hands in the air (as he usually does, maybe he thinks that helps?) and we cut to commercial.

(Commercial Break)

There is a jack but Rob can't get it out. A car stops to help. The Models and BQ's make it to the cafe and grab the next clue: DETOUR.

Throw it or Grind it.

Throw it: Throw two pots on a potter's wheel at a local artisan's shop.

Grind it: The North Africa horse farm. Crush olives and fill pressing sleeves.

At both places, there are only 3 workstations so that means if everyone decides to do the same task, someone will have to wait.

"We have to make the pots dude, it's not actually throwing them," say the Models. Bama arrives at the clue box and the Models decide to head to the detour the BQ's chose - Grow it (the olive task).

Bama decides to do the olive task at the detour as well, "I used to be an art major, that's gonna be tough."

The BQ's just drove by Rob and Kim on their way out of town "we cannot trust these girls," Rob reacts as the BQ's pass RIGHT by. The Models stop and tell them how much further they need to go.

Rob and Kim contemplate going to Throw It, but decide on the olive task at Grow It. All teams are now headed to the same Detour.

The BQ's decide to wing it, but finally ask for directions. They overshot the farm, while Bama and the Models find it right away. As the task is first come, first serve, Rob & Kim and the BQ's are getting a little scared as they're still on the road.

The two teams at the Detour get to grinding the olives. Rob & Kim overshot the farm as well but Kim suggests they head back as she recognized the cars as they passed. 3 teams are working while BQ's arrive last and have to wait. Karma's a bitch eh?

(Commercial Break)

"We yielded them and they're ahead of us, we're in trouble," note the BQ's. The Models and Bama are done their grinding and now have to fill bags with the ground olives. "Let me do this I've done wheelbarrows," says one of the BQ's as they take over the Models' workstation. Bama and the Models now race to a Nomadic Berber camp, which is the next pitstop for this leg of the race.

The Models are notorious for getting lost and Bama is eagle-eyed with their directions as of late. They race along the road discussing the level of evil that is the BQ's. Rob & Kim finish the detour and take off. "How stoked were you when we saw them come in," says Kim as they pass the BQ's who are left behind at the Detour.

The Models race up a desert road toward the mat but drop their "good luck charm". They had already run so far up the path, so they ran BACK down passing Bama, and then BACK to the mat to meet Phil and come in first. Bama is about 30 seconds behind them. They came in second despite being yielded.

"There's no bad karma in a game, you're here to win." The BQ's try to justify their actions while Rob and Kim stop for directions. Both teams are on the road but Rob and Kim reach the location first. They head the WRONG way down the path - away from the mat!

Rob and Kim correct their course and arrive at the mat "duh". They're team number 3. The BQ's run up to the mat, "I feel so numb, I don't even feel like crying." Phil tells them they're having a good day BECAUSE....

...IT'S A NON-ELIMINATION LEG!

They're now marked for elimination and we know the drill - they must arrive first on the next leg. They bask in a fact that everyone is pissed off at them. They yielded someone, they didn't stop when a team had a flat tire... and they love it. They're using it to propel them in the race, no matter who gets hurt. (I can just sense Laura's head exploding at the fact this was non-elimination right now).

Do You Have What it Takes?

2006-11-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

For all those out there that think they can do it better, CBS is now casting for Amazing Race 12. For the full contest rules and details, go to CBS' website and fill out an application form: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race_application/.

Good Luck!

Ah, if only Canadians were allowed and three person teams were the norm then maybe we'd...... Yeah, right! Rebecca & Gus would kill me after 48 hours. Either that or we'd laugh ourselves out of the race. There are just way too many "funny" mishaps that would happen if we were to run the race together.

Now, if there were ever a Canadian version of Amazing Race, we'd totally be there, eh?! Rebecca would rock the geography stuff & travel arrangements, Gus would navigate us & rock the pop culture stuff and I would keep us on track & rock the weird trivia stuff! We'd be set! (And, of course, we'd blog about it for you!)

From Finland to Ukraine (E10)

2006-11-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

Since the last episode was a "Keep Racing" leg, the teams behind the models had to complete the run down the tower at the Olympic Stadium before they could move on to their next clues. Teams had to figure out in which country the nuclear disaster at Chernoble took place and then book themselves flights there. Once the teams figured out that their next destination was the Ukraine, they next had to figure out what the capital was. A poor woman at the airport had to tell each team that it was Kiev, or as most of the teams called it "Keev".

The models & the BQs arrived at 1:35pm but due to a flight delay, the other three teams didn't arrive until 2:05pm. Teams had to locate their cars, which had a clue on the window that told them to find the Osler Tank School. Except, of course, it was written in Ukrainian so teams had no clue where they were going. The models & the BQs split the cost of a cab to show them the way, as did Rob & Kim. After getting directions from a local cop, the Chos led the Bamas onto the road only to stop a short way down the road for clearer instructions or a cab to take them further.

At the Osler Tank School, teams found themselves up against a RoadBlock. This time, one racer had to drive a tank through a 1.2 mile obstacle course. James started out ahead of Dustin but after stalling his tank, he fell just behind her and ended up ramming her from behind. Kim powered through it and Godwin pulled ahead of Karlynn. The Chos finished ahead of the Bama girls but decided to wait for them before heading back to Kiev, where teams had to find apartment #33 of building #3. On their way back into the city, the BQs tried to ditch the models by running a red light, which the models also decided to run. But they weren't the only ones to try to ditch their alliance. The Bama girls got tired of waiting for the Chos while they asked for directions and left them behind. Unfortunately for them, the Chos caught up shortly after and followed them to the apartment building.

After finding the right apartment, teams were given clues by an older Ukrainian woman that held the details for the Detour. In Make the Music, teams had to locate a local hip hop club. Once there, the BQs, Rob & Kim and Bama had to not only write & perform a rap but they also had to dress in all the cliche rap gear: baggy pants, backwards hat, oversize sweater & exaggerated bling. In Find the Music, teams had to locate the Conservatory. Once there, the models and the Chos dressed up in full composers gear, searched through piles of sheet music for the piano movement of the "Concert Fantasy" and found a pianist to play it for them. The BQs rap sounded great on paper but they didn't commit to it like the Bama girls, who had the entire club eating out of their hands.

The teams then raced to the next Pit Stop. The models were the first to arrive at the Patriotic War Memorial, a tribute to the victory of WWII, and were awarded a trip for their efforts. Next came the BQs, then Rob & Kimberly and then Bama. Unfortunately, due to some bad navigation on Godwin's part (he turned onto a blocked off street and was pulled over by the police), the Cho brothers were the last to arrive in front of Phil and were eliminated from the race.

Now, while I admire the Chos' gameplay, I am disappointed that they didn't catch onto the backstabbiness of Bama before it was too late. I especially wish they'd figured it out before they'd waited for the Bama girls after beating them at the Roadblock. I think that if they'd stopped being overly cautious about the directions and hadn't waited for them, they could have made it to the mat first. Oh well, without the Chos to help them, I don't think Bama will make it to the final mat first. The only way they'll be able to get ahead of one of the other remaining teams is if the other teams get extremely lost or they happen to get ahead of at least one of them before the yield.

Just one other thing..... does Rob have bad luck with cars, or what?! How many replacement cars have they had so far? Three or four? Rebecca was wondering if he knew how to drive stick. I was wondering if he knows how to drive at all.

Return of the Racers Blog (Episode 9)

2006-11-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

Another installment of the 'Return of the Racers' blog [CBS]. Andrew's comments make me giggle and there's still LOTS of talk about an All-Star Episode.

Andrew
11/14/06 11:04 am
I always wondered if they did an All Star season would they bring back all the winners. And the answer has to be no way. The Race is fantastic as it is so diversely cast. So lets compare winners...

Race 1- Good Lookin Alpha Males
Race 2- Good Lookin Alpha Males
Race 3- Nice Guy/Whiney Girl
Race 4- Good Looking Alpha Males
Race 5- Married/Nice African Amers.
Race 6- Nice Guy/Whiney Girl
Race 7- Married/Nice African Amers.
Race 8- Family Style Doesn't count
Race 9- Goofy Males

Chip. A
11/13/06 11:20 am

Many more comments to come later, on what I think was the best leg this year...and it isn't over yet, which I love. You think you are all tired of watching this, imagine doing it!

So my comments for early morning...no comments from Chip and Kim, don't you just all miss them promoting their website more than making thoughtful comments on the show on this blog (although I still think you are great Kim and would do the show with you in a second)...I guess their popularity was great and along with BJ and Tyler and maybe Brennan they are all doing ALL STARS. I just hope that John and Al from our season are doing it too....and WIN!!! They deserve it.

The Amazing Race is incredible and everyone keep watching, you have seen nothing yet! The final episodes I am sure will be incredible and it is so exciting to see new creative tasks and now they are testing everyone's reserve tanks of energy.

From Madagascar to Finland (E9)

2006-11-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

Teams left last week's Pit Stop with tickets provided to them for a flight to Paris at 9:40pm. They had the choice of whether to use the tickets and then arrange additional flights from there or they could arrange their own flights from the beginning. The show only did this because of the limited number of flights leaving the country. After noticing a flight that was just getting ready to board/check in, the models found a flight that was leaving within an hour and a half for Johannesburg. They, along with the Beauty Queens, Rob & Kim and the Cho's, booked flights arriving in Helsinki at 10:20am via Frankfurt via Johannesburg leaving Madagascar at 5am. For some non-tension filled minutes, it seemed like Bama wouldn't be able to make the flight but, as I said "non-tension, so Bama made the plane with everyone else.

Once in Helsinki, or as the BQs call it "Hell-in-ski", teams took cabs to find the Kappeli cafe where they had to log into their AOL accounts to receive their next clues. Teams were treated to video messages from their loved ones. All teams were excited but Bama, who received messages from their children, were the only ones who cried. After seeing their messages, the cafe owner gave them their next clue. Teams then had to travel by train & taxi 125 miles & locate a local school, where they would have to search the grounds for their next clue.

On the train, Tyler flirted outrageously with the Beauty Queens while he put moisturizer on his face (can you see me rolling my eyes?). Once at their destination, teams had to line up to catch taxis outside the train station. The models & the Beauty Queens jumped in the first available ones while other teams were forced to wait in line, though they didn't. Rob & Kimberly talked their way to the front of the line while Bama just jumped the line even though a business man was persistent in his right to the cab up until the moment they basically shoved him out of the way. Poor Cho's had to wait in line for the next cab: "Being polite sucks sometimes." Oh well, they caught up with Rob & Kimberly at the school anyways because their cab took them to the wrong school first, dropping them behind Bama.

At the school, the teams followed a marked path to the next clue box (not much searching, really). Here they found this leg's Detour. In this Detour, teams had a choice between Swamp This and Swamp That. In Swamp This, the Beauty Queens & Bama had to cross country ski through a one mile course across a muddy field, including climbing a couple of fences. In Swamp That, the models, Rob & Kim and the Cho's had to run, crawl, climb, jump & carry each other through an obstacle course. The models made a slight error in judgement by changing their clothes before leaving the school effectively negating their lead over the Beauty Queens but they were still the only teams to make the 3:11pm train to their next destination - Turku.

Once there, the teams had to choose a Mercedes and drive 70 miles to Lohja and the Tytyrin Mines located there. After arriving behind the models & the Beauty Queens by one hour, the Bamas once again semi-screwed over the Cho's. They sped out of the parking lot at the train station with the directions that the Cho's had shared with them on the train. Once at the mines, teams had to locate the marked door to the tram. For some reason, this caused problems for two of the teams (Beauty Queens & Rob and Kim) causing them to fall behind the teams on the same train as them. Since there was only one tram, teams had to wait a few minutes for the teams before them to travel into the mines before they could descend from the surface.

In the mines, teams came up against a RoadBlock. In this RoadBlock, one team member had to ride a bike downhill into a mine, retrieve a limestone block from a marked pile and bring it & their bike back up the hill. Once there, they had to use the traditional tools provided to break open the block and get their next clue. After screaming all the way down the hill "I'm coming for ya!", Rob passed Karlyn on the way back up the hill. All teams were then on their way to the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.

After locating another marked door, teams found a clue box directing them to the top of the tower. Once there, teams were then instructed to run down the side of the tower into the stadium before they could receive their next clue. Notice how I didn't say "rappel" down the building? That's because teams had to go down the side of the building face first! Tyler & James were the only team we saw complete the task and receive their next clue: Keep Racing!!

I think the Cho's are slowly catching on to the underhandedness of the Bama girls. They were only using them to get ahead and they're finally showing their true colors. Now, while I really don't like the Beauty Queens, Bama is quickly becoming numero uno on my "slap you silly" list. The models need start using their heads. I think they got too confident coming in first for a couple of legs at the beginning but now they're making really stupid mistakes. They need to get the Beauty Queens out of their heads and the race back in. Rob & Kimberly should just keep making mistakes because if this had been a regular Pit Stop, they would have been gone and I definitely wouldn't have been sorry to see that!

Next on the Amazing Race!

2006-11-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

As quoted by CTV:

Sunday Nov. 12 at 8pm ET - Being Polite Sucks Sometimes

The teams race through Helsinki, where they must dive 243 feet to retrieve a clue. At the Roadblock, teams are forced into a claustrophobic setting in order to complete the task.

Hopefully this will be more interesting than late.

From Mauritis to Madagascar (E8)

2006-11-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

The start of the episode was uneventful as usual. Though, the Beauty Queens did take the wrong car when they left last week's pit stop. Didn't the old couple have to take a penalty or return the vehicle when they did the same thing the season before last?! Oh well, CBS is definitely changing the format this season.

Teams bottlenecked at the airport again, where they all caught an 11am flight direct to Madagascar. The 6 Pack were the first teams out of the terminal and into cabs upon arrival but their drivers took them on a wild goose chase. The teams needed to locate the lake with a "dark angel" statue on the water. It may have been Kentucky's driver that took them ALL for a ride. The Bama & Chos' drivers seemed to be following their taxi. Because of their little detour on the way to the Detour, the other three teams jumped back ahead of them.

While the Beauty Queens haggled with their driver over the fare, Rob & Kimberly and the Models reached the new Intersection first. New this season, the Intersection seems to be taking the place of the Yield from previous seasons (though, I wouldn't be surprised if they threw one of those in later on, too). For the Intersection, teams had to join forces with another team for the upcoming tasks. If there wasn't another team there to joing forces with, the team had to wait for the next available team before they could continue with the race. Since nobody likes the BQs, Rob & Kimberly joined forces with the Models and decided to try for the Fast Forward leaving the Beauty Queens behind to wait for the 6 Pack to show up. Kentucky & Bama reached the Intersection before the Chos and teamed up to do the Detour. The poor Chos were left to team up with the Beauty Queens.

For the Fast Forward, teams had to travel 2.5 miles to an open air market and locate booth #11. Once there, they had to "enjoy" a serving of a local delicacy....... Cow Lips! They sound gross, I know. But they looked even worse. They still had hair and teeth attached and they weren't given any water to help them through the task. The teams battled their way through it but poor Kimberly lagged behind as one boy after the other finished their heaping plate. Even more amusing than the crowd cheering them on is the fact that the teams thought that they had all the time in the world because the other teams still had to complete a Detour and a Roadblock.

For the Detour, the joined at the hip teams had a choice between Long Sleep and Short Letter. In Long Sleep, teams had to cover, stack & deliver on foot eight (8) foam mattresses. In Short Letter, teams had to make eight (8) sheets of handmade paper with a floral design. The remaining four teams all decided to do Long Sleep. Working together, the Chos & the Beauty Queens powered ahead of the joined up Bama & Kentucky team. Poor David was stuck with three screaming women as they blocked traffic transporting the mattresses that they'd tied together with their linked fanny packs. (I'm sorry, but I can't help but roll my eyes!)

Once the delivery was made, the teams were no longer joined and were once again working for themselves. The Beauty Queens left the Chos in the dust and raced towards the a staircase connecting the upper & lower levels of the city. Once there, they exclaimed "There are so many clues in there!" Um, they did know that the teams doing the Fast Forward wouldn't be doing the Roadblock, right? They are pretty blonde. No matter how much they think they don't show it!

For the Roadblock, one member of each team had to locate and receive a matching stamp from one of the many vendors along the staircase. The stamps were of a plane, a train, a boat & a car. The team member left behind went ahead to the next pit stop to wait for their teammate. If teams only went by the examples shown at some of the stamp vendors' kiosks, they had some trouble find the stamps. It was only with actually looking at the surface of each stamp at each kiosk that teams were able to locate the right stamps. Once the racer had all the stamps, they had to find the Andohalo Cathedral. Most of the taxis had gas issues on the way to the Pit Stop.

At the Pit Stop, the Beauty Queens held onto their first place finish beating out both the teams that had gone for the Fast Forward. But it was David & Mary (Kentucky) who were elminated this leg. Being marked for elimination after coming in last at the end of the last episode, David & Mary still had 20 minutes in their penalty when the Bama girls finally reached the mat.

Though they are one of the stronger teams this season, I won't be too happy if the Beauty Queens win this season. Heck! I'd want to see Rob & Kimberly win before I'd want to see them win. Even as we hit the final five, I still don't really have a team. But I do know that I don't want to see either Bama or the Beauty Queens win. Bama was disloyal to their "group/alliance" and the Beauty Queens were just too ignorant. Both teams used & abused the other teams but I think Bama may have been worse since they professed to be friends with those they stabbed in the back.

I don't think it'll happen but these are the teams I'd like to see win (from most desirable to least): the Cho's, the Models, Rob & Kimberly & then Bama. I didn't bother to include the Beauty Queens at the end because I don't want them to win at all! :P

Amazing Race Amateur Footage - Ep. 7 Roadblock Canned

2006-10-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

This warrants its own post. A commenter in the previous post noted the following, after we were all wondering what happened to the Road Block this week:

"Nate said... If you go to the AR10 official website there is a picture of the BQ's holding a Road Block clue on a beach in Maritius.... I was reading... and it mentioned the family that was on vacation earlier this year and posted video of the teams racing to the clue box on the beach - in Maritius!! I believe CBS removed the footage of the Road Block because of this. Interesting... "

Turns out we had this story covered MONTHS ago, Laura remembered Gus had this post in July, featuring the video (available here).

Geesh, I should pay more attention to these things eh? Thanks everyone!

Episode 7 - Kuwait to... Mauritius Live Blog!

2006-10-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

Live blogging the 8pm PT broadcast

Kentucky starts off the race talking about how they've made friends for life. The 3 teams in their alliance are "no longer the BACK pack" they're now "the SIX pack". They're all on their way to Mauritius or "mari tee us" as the Beauty Queens would say. "What country is that in? England? That's weird that's far!" Oh God.

Everyone heads to the airport to book tickets.

The BQ's are in line with Bama right behind them. The boy models arrive later but just to spite Bama, the BQ's try to book the Models' flight while they're at the front of the line. Bama was not about to let this slide, to which the Models made immature noises and told them to stop their "idiot banter" and "say something smart".

(First Commercial Break)

Back to the "idiot banter" between the Models and Bama. Everyone seems to be booking 8am flights from Kuwait, to London to Mauritius. Once on the Island (off the East coast of Africa) they need to drive themselves to a bay where a schooner will be waiting for them, and where they will find their first clue of the leg.

Everyone is now in their car, driving to find the bay, making assumptions about what they'll find when they get there. Kentucky just doesn't want to swim, Mary is scared of fish. Apparently where they grew up, you tossed your kids into a lake to 'make them swim'. Seems like it scarred them both for life.

All those who guessed they would have to swim out to their schooner in the water were right on the mark. Donning life jackets BQ, Bama and Rob & Kimberly make it to the boat first then swim back to shore with their clue. Kentucky struggle meanwhile the models haven't even arrived at the Bay.

Bama and Kentucky take a breather on the boat before heading back to shore. Back on land, BQ's open their clue. They need to hop in the car and drive to a post office to get their next clue. Off they go.

Chos are on land waiting for the rest of their SIX pack. The models think the Cho's are keeping the two weaker teams around so that they can all bump out the other teams and leave the weaker teams as their competition in the end.

BQ, "we need to lose these people they are useless to us", referring to Rob and Kimberly who are all in their cars headed for the next clue. Models are lost again. Rob gets frustrated with the manual transmission in the car "it won't get in gear!" he spazzes, gets out, and walks away from Kimberly and the vehicle.

(2nd Commercial Break)

Rob to Kimberly "You don't calm me down, you rev me up!" Meanwhile, BQ's just crunched their car into a bus. "Do I need to sign something?"

BQ's arrive in their crunched up car and pick up the DETOUR. Salt or Sea.

Salt: Search among enormous piles of salt for a salt shaker that contains the clue.

Sea: Walk to a dock, chose a captain, sail to an island, use a treasure map to locate a mast and sail.

BQ's chose SEA. Rob and Kimberly have received a new car since theirs broke down (I think it was a problem with the driver, personally). Kimberly "this isn't a Vaycay, this is a competition." Meanwhile, the SIX pack catch up. They all agree to go do SALT. Kentucky find a shaker but it contains pepper.

Rob and Kimberly finally reach the post office while Kimberly calls back to Rob "JERK!" they finally agree to do SALT. Rob falls on his way back to the car and throws his clue at Kimberly. It looks like he left it behind.

All the teams except for BQ's are elbow and knee deep in salt. Bama "it's in my swimsuit". Rob and Kimberly take off - "there's no way all those teams will find that". The Models AND Rob & Kimberly bail the SALT detour as well just as the BQ's get frustrated doing the SEA detour and contemplate going back and doing SALT.

Cho's and Bama follow suit and leave the SALT detour, now Kentucky are the only ones left at SALT - the SIX pack is now broken up.

(Commercial Break)

BQ's find their target on the SEA detour "I feel like Indiana Jones right now!" Rob & Kimberly are on their way to the pit stop as well as the Models. Kentucky gave up on the SALT detour and joined the rest of the pack at SEA.

Phil lets BQ's know they've won some scooters, with enough room to "take a date out", to which one of them replies "can we take you?" Phil "uhhhhh".

The SIX pack are all in a race to the pitstop in their cars - which leads to a foot race.

2nd team, Models
3rd team, Rob & Kimberly
4th team, Cho Brothers
5th team, Bama
6th team, Kentucky

By some magical mystical power - this is a non-elimnation round. Once again they are marked for elimination and must come in FIRST in the next leg.

(All images property of CBS.com - Amazing Race)

Former Racers Blog - Episode 6

2006-10-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

This week on the Former Racers' Blog, the previous competitors & winners discuss the possibility of an Amazing Race All Star series as well as BJ & Tyler getting a little press online (nominated as "Most Memorable Reality Performer" for a Golden Really Realitini award). Chip and Kim have their recaps up again on www.ChipAndKim.tv and a couple people chime in on the Cho Brothers....

Chip M.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE . . . THE CHO BROTHERS!!! Their act of selflessness and loyalty towards David & Mary was unparralled in any season of TAR . . . or any other Reality or Sporting Event that I have ever seen in my life.

David & Mary are the salt of the earth . . . so friendly, lovable and competive. It was great to see them come in first (Oh, by the way, did I mention how wonderful are . . . THE CHO'S?!?!?!)

BJ

Ok, I guess maybe the Cho brothers know what they're doing. I had my doubts about these pranksters with their fake cell phones and water guns, but I like that they let their friends go for the Fast. But now they have to be careful, because there's going to be a mad rush for the next Forward. Did it bother anyone else that Peter just kept driving around going, "Tell me where to go, Sarah" instead of ever asking a local for directions? I'm just surprised he wasn't snacking on something while he was driving.

From India to Kuwait (E6)

2006-10-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

For another first on the Amazing Race, Phil wasn't at the mat to send the racers on their way. Instead they received their money along with a visual clue from Phil on a cameraphone. They then raced off to travel agents around the city to arrange tickets for flights to Kuwait City. Most teams took the 11pm to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) except Tyler & James who took an 8pm flight but everyone was on the connecting flight to Kuwait City. Once they arrived, the teams selected their marked cars and drove to the Kuwait Towers (the picture on the phone), where they had to take a number. Once again, all teams bunched up because the location wasn't open until 11am.

With their new clues, the teams found out that they had a choice between going for the first of two Fast Forwards or doing the Roadblock. The RoadBlock was for one member of the team to scale a ladder that hugged the outside curve of the tower to the top to retrieve a satchel of puzzle pieces. They then had to get back down to a chest that contained the rest of the puzzle pieces. Once they'd put the puzzle together, it would give them the street name where their next clue was located. Of course, the address was in Arabic so, teams had to get a local to translate it. Most of them got the nearby security guard station to translate and give them directions but Bama got a couple of local men to help them. Not used to thinking for themselves, the Blondes tried to horn in on their information. The thing that gets me is that if they'd been the ones to finish first, they would have told the guy not to help the Bamas but since it was the other way around, they got all bent out of shape & called them "pigs".

But, back to the Fast Forward. The Cho brothers considered going for it because they were both afraid of heights. But before they could ask Kentucky whether they were going for it or not, they saw that the Blondes were going for it. In an effort to head them off & give Kentuckty time to make up their minds, they made the Blondes believe that they were going for it. Mind games work well on those that don't have one of their own and the Blondes decided to stay and do the RoadBlock. Because of coming in last in the last leg, Kentucky (the coalminer & his wife) had to come in first this leg or incur a 30 minute penalty. Wisely, they decided to go for the Fast Forward. The task was to drive 18 miles to an oil field, don protective gear and brave the heat of an oil fire to retrieve & read their clue. They did it & got to the mat (and Phil) first!

For the teams that did the RoadBlock, they had to locate and get to Al-Gharabally Street where they had to locate a bead shop for their next clue. Getting to the street was a small challenge but finding the right shop proved difficult for all the teams. Their next clue was the Detour. Teams had to choose between Manual and Automatic. In Manual, teams had to locate a feed lot where they had to fill ten 110 lbs bags with feed and then carry & stack them on pallets. The bags had to be filled to a specific line marked on the bags and stapled closed. The Blondes either didn't read their entire clue or just disregarded this part of it because they had to top up all of their bags because they weren't full enough. "They're being really picky." They just barely beat the Cho brothers but were behind Rob & Kim. In Automatic, teams had to locate the Camel Race Club where they had to mount a robotic jockey on the back of a camel and with a voice control, have their camel cross a finish line. Bama & the Boys powered through this task. Both tasks were hard for the teams to find, some more so than others. Peter & Sarah even got so turned around that they found the location for the Fast Forward before they found the Manual Detour.

In the end, the teams finally ended up at the Al-Sadiq Water Towers, the Pit Stop for this leg in the following order: Kentucky, Blondes, Rob & Kim, Bama, Chos, the Boys and lastly, Peter & Sarah. This wasn't a non-elimination leg so, Peter & Sarah said their good-byes and also stated that they were finishing the race as friends. Oh well, one down, two more to go. As long as neither Rob & Kim or the Blondes win the race, I'll be happy. They should go home in the next two elimination legs but that would be in my perfect AR10 world.

I don't know about everyone else but I really find the Blondes to be very hypocritical. They think everyone is jealous of them (can you see me rolling my eyes?). They seem to think that being Miss California & Miss New York should get them special treatment. They also think that they are doing so much better than they actually are. At least they aren't as ignorant as Kim. Don't get me wrong, they're incredibly ignorant but she should go blonde and join their team. My favourite quote from this episode came from her again. I especially loved the sound effect when Rob had to correct her pronounciation "mosque". She kept calling it a "mask". Are we sure she isn't a beauty queen, too?

Former Racers Blog - Episode 5

2006-10-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Former Racers Blog

More thoughts and comments from past racers, participants and winners of the Amazing Race. They dissect and comment on this week's episode. I actually agree with Tyler (one of the Hippies and last year's winner). Where are the product placements in this round? Not that I'm really complaining, it just seems a little weird, no?

My main concern with this season is the lack of colorful product placement. In our season we were showered with Travelocity Roaming Gnomes, Mercedes Benz rides, and even a “Da Vinci Code” theatrical trailer that played in the middle of an episode. I’m actually typing this blog from the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 that BJ and I both won in the Japan leg of our race. “Jump for joy!”

When Phil awarded 1st place team Rob and Kimberly with their “jet skies,” I wanted to have the show cut to a clip of two bronzed models racing across Lake Tahoe, a thin rainbow colored oil sheen trailing, followed by a shameless promotion of who was fronting the bills. I don’t know about you, but I want to know where my million bucks comes from.

From Vietnam to India (E5)

2006-10-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Episode spoilers for PT (Vancouver/Los Angeles Time) viewers.

You know that when Phil makes a point of mentioning restrictions at the beginning of the episode that they're going to come into play for at least one of the teams. This week, he pointed out that teams could not book flights at the ticket counters at the airport. They needed to go through a travel agent to make their arrangements.

Teams left last week's pit stop and headed by taxi for the train station. Of course since they were departing at night, all teams bunched up at the train station, which didn't open until 5am. While on the train, the Cho brothers, 'Bama & Kentucky all decided to continue to working together and shared information on where the closest travel agents were located. The Cho brothers decided to use their fake cell phone to throw Peter off their trail. Unfortunately, it didn't work in their favour. Peter panicked and borrowed the cell phone of another passenger and made reservations with a travel agent while still on the train. He decided to share the information with the Barbies with the agreement that they would help them later on in the race. In the end, the teams booked flights as follows:

Tyler/James & Rob/Kim - 1:35pm through Delhi arriving at 9:20am.
Cho brothers - 7:20pm through Hong Kong & Delhi arriving at 9:20am.
Peter/Sarah, Bama, Kentucky & the Barbies - 8pm through Bangkok arriving at noon.

There were some switching of flights, as usual. Bama & Kentucky got their tickets changed for the 7:20pm flight out with a reservation for the flight from Delhi. Unfortunately for them, there were no seats available when they arrived and they were put on the waiting list. Good news for Bama, bad news for Kentucky - only one team got seats with the others. In Delhi, Peter, Sarah & the Barbies got an earlier flight that got them to their destination at 7:50am.

From the airport teams took taxis to the bus station and boarded buses for Chennai. Once there, teams faced a Detour. Their choices were Wild Things or Wild Rice. In Wild Things, teams traveled 9 miles to a crocodile farm where they had to secure & transport a crocodile to a new pit. In Wild Rice, teams only had to travel 200 yards but they had to fill an intricate pattern with coloured rice. Most teams choose Wild Things. The Cho brothers & Bama checked out the Wild Rice but changed to Wild Things while Kentucky & Tyler/James stuck with it. Next teams were directed back to Chennai, where they ran into a Roadblock. In this week's Roadblock, one team member had to complete a driving test to receive both their next clue & an Indian driver's license. There obviously weren't any major incidents with the driving tests since they didn't show a lot of scenes for it.

From there teams, raced to the Chettinad Palace, the Pit Stop for this leg of the race. Peter & Sarah arrived first and won home gym systems for their effort. Tyler & James, who have been consistently at the front of the pack, were second to last. But it was Kentucky (the coalminer & his wife) that arrived last. Luckily for them it wasn't an elimination leg and they were spared. But in a new twist, as promised by Phil at the beginning of the race, they weren't stripped of their money or possessions in true AR style. They were instead marked for elmination, which means that they have to come in first on the next leg or they will incur a half hour penalty when they reach the mat.

I'm not sure what race the Barbies think they've been running but the "we're not that agressive" comment when they left the pit stop at the beginning of the race was too funny not to be mentioned. If anything, they've been the most aggressive. They're ruthless and annoying. Not a good combination for TV. I especially like that they made the alliance with Peter & Sarah and then promptly turned their backs on them the next chance they got (Delhi airport). Not that Peter & Sarah aren't annoying but at least they don't pretend not to be ruthless. Though, Peter gave me a good chuckle tonight when he pronounced Chennai as "Shania".

But the "best" comment tonight was from Kim, while they were on the bus from the station to Chennai:

I want to go to Europe. I wanna be with the rich folks.

It reminded me of the POW's finacee (S7) that said he was weak because he "quit the army". Rob is rude and Kim is ignorant (another combination not good on TV). Others might find it amusing but I find it disgusting to watch. Especially since they're visitors in another country and are insulting both it and its inhabitants.

This episode finally lived up to previous seasons! Happy to see that not all the travel arrangements will bunch the teams up. It's what makes the show exciting. The challenges were pretty awesome, too. A lot more potential for "fun"! Can't wait for next week.

The Amazing Hunt

2006-10-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Hunt is an urban explorer race that takes place in British Columbia based on the show the Amazing Race.

Since 2004 it's been a great way to compete, run around town like crazy visiting unique landmarks and getting to know your city's culture. It features many of the same challenges as the show such as Detours, Road Blocks and Yields.

The race operates all over the Lower Mainland (North Shore, Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, Vancouver) and even over on the Island in Victoria. You can sign up for the race in your area and test your skills. The challenges in various cities run from March to October.

The creator writes:

The theme for the 2007 races is to "expect the unexpected," like our host always said at the starting line.
So, if you have any ideas for the tasks or locations for teams to visit, please let me know by e-mail or reply this blog. If your idea gets accepted, you will get an official The Amazing Hunt t-shirt! [Amazing Hunt Blog]

Footage from past Amazing Hunt races can be viewed on You Tube and visit the site for more details on participating or being a volunteer.

Former Racers Blog - Episode 4

2006-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Another installment of the Former Racers' Blog, this week we get Chip's opinion:

Now for last night's episode . . . MAN OH MAN!!! That was the most GRUELING, STRESSFUL, FIERCE and ENERVATING LEG EVER!!! With TAR making the 4th leg so difficult, I can not imagine how the later legs can get progressively harder without killing somebody. In our season (5) we did not perform feats such as these until the final 2 or 3 legs.

Killer Fatigue (KF) was running rampant in this leg. Every team was at each other's throat. Most notable was Peter at Sarah's (since it seemed so one sided). But, David and Mary, Rob and Kimberly and all of the rest were at odds with each other as well. I don’t see how Rob and Kimberly can possibly finish TAR without killing each other.

The people I have to take my hat off to are Sarah and Tom. Sarah, for her heroics while on the ascender . . . and for overcoming Peter's extreme negativity. Tom for performing one of the most heroic acts I think I have ever seen on TAR . . . he hopped out and drug the boat and Terry to safety . . . WOW . . . What a champion.

I am on the Godwin and Irwin bandwagon now . . . though I still like David & Mary, Karlyn & Lyn, Tyler & James and Kandice & Dustin (ok, that was a slick way of saying . . . YOU KNOW WHAT!!!).

Chip and Kim also have their own website, with episode review videos: www.ChipAndKim.tv

We've Been Listed

2006-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Found something out this morning that I found fun & interesting. I tried to share it with my co-contributors but one didn't answer her phone and the other was asleep (can you see me rolling my eyes?). So, I figured I'd tell you instead.

As most of you have seen, we have sitemeter on our site. It's a handy tool for tracking how many visitors we've had on any given day or over a period of time. It also tells us how visitors are coming to our site. A lot of the referrals are through searches on Google or Yahoo and a few are from our Amazing Race 9 site. I check it occasionally out of curiousity and this morning I found a referral I'd never seen before. Apparently, we were recently included in the Yahoo Directory listings on October 4th. Right now, we're listed second from the top of the list when sorted by popularity but that's only because we're "new" to the listing. I'll be interested to see where we fall after our newness has worn off.

See you all next Sunday!

Episode 4 Around Vietnam

2006-10-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

So, once again, the race was delayed because of football if you were watching the Eastern channels. Unfortunately for those with TiVo, that means that you probably missed the last half of the episode (unless you watch Cold Case, which comes on right after). My Turkey Night took a little longer than it normally would so I missed both the ET & PT times but I'm watching during the commercials of Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters, sorry.

It started out with the usual highlights from last week's episode along with a couple of updates on racers' health. Apparently, Rob had to be treated for heat exhaustion before he could continue on with the race. Is this going to be an ongoing thing with him? Hmm, maybe somebody should tell him to try a cooler head and see if that helps. Don't remember they'd done this before but was impressed that they started out with local currency rather than US dollars. Their clue directed them to "listen" for their clue at a specific street corner. The instructions were to take a taxi across the Red River to one location and then take a bus to another location and then look for Hydrofoil Harbour for their next clue.

The Beauty Queens were listening to the flowers in a planter on the street. "I hear a cricket, but I don't know what that means." The Cho brothers, who had left first, were in the thick of the pack because their cab driver got lost on the way to the corner. Some of the teams had the wisdom to get their cab driver to listen to the instructions, as well as writing them down. If I liked Rob & Kim, I'd say I was sorry to see that they had to change cabs twice but they were both so rude to the cab drivers that I think they got what they deserved. "I'm done talking with foreigners." (Rude Rob)

Once again, the bus station equalized everyone since it didn't open until 5am and everybody ended up on the same bus. The next clue was a RoadBlock. They had to take a motorboat across the bay & climb a 90ft sheer cliff before they got their next clue. There were 3 ropes and it was first come, first serve. Unfortunately for Sarah/Peter, Rob/Kimberly & Tyler/James, three boats passed them so they had to wait for their chance to try and complete it.

If I hear one more pep talk from Peter or one more "babe" or "baby" from Rob or Kimberly, I'm going to have to push them off a cliff. But, the beauty queens have to go. They're rude to both the locals and the other racers. I can't believe they jumped the line again! Oh well, she got a cut on her leg. Karma's a bitch!

Next they had to go to a cave located in another cove to get their Detour clue. Their choices were Over or Under. For both tasks, they had to take a junk to a specific anchor location and then row a traditional boat to their task. The wind on the water and the rowing of the boats proved too much for most of the teams. In Over, they had to pick up two bushels of bananas and then deliver them to two addresses in a floating village nearby. In Under, they had to pull up 30 oyster baskets and delivery them to a man at the pearl company.

Peter blew up at Sarah. Rob & Kimberly blew up at each other. One beauty queen blew up at the other for losing/shredding the clue. They were even dumb enough to not read their clue properly and tried to row to the next pit stop. They keep trying to break the blonde, beauty queen stereotypes but, so far, all they've done is support them.

But was geniunely touched by the support and mutual admiration that Tom & Terry showed each other. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to keep them in the race. They were eliminated and the couple-that-shouldn't-be-a-couple were first (Rude Rob & Catty Kim).

I noticed something tonight. All the teams that I would have normally rooted for (from past season experience) - the younger more fit teams - are the most annoying and the most deserving to go home. The only teams I want to see win at this point are Tyler & James or the Cho brothers. They respect each other (no yelling, no bitching, no tearing each other down). There's a minimal amount of whining from them, they just get the job done and they don't annoy me. But, I still don't have a team..... :(

Sorry for the lateness. I'll do better next week.

Next on the Amazing Race

2006-10-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

As per CTV's website:

While racing through Vietnam, teams must navigate their way through rough waters and around rocky islands.

Frustrated with their cab drivers, the leading team switches taxis three times en route to the next location. Once there, teams must decipher a cryptic clue in the dead of the night. At the Roadblock, teams must ascend and rappel a vertical 90-foot cliff at Hon Yen Ngua rock island in order to receive their next clue. One racer injures their leg during the race, causing them to stop for medical attention.

Should be interesting to see this one. Looks alittle more physical Roadblock is coming so should be for some excitement for our lovely co-writers of this blog.

Thoughts on Episode 3 - BJ

2006-10-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Return of the Racers is a part of the Official Amazing Race site where past racers/winners/participants can comment on this season. Here's what BJ (one of the hippies and winners of last season) had to say about this leg of the race [cbs.com] - he even shares some thoughts that I expressed in my recap post :p

10/2/06 5:48 am
If this episode taught us one thing, it's that it not who gets on the bus first - it's who gets on the RIGHT bus.

But there were other lessons to be learned. David & Mary taught us to keep your fanny pack on your fanny. Erwin & Godwin taught us that beauty sells more flowers than muscles. Tom & Terry taught us that although it might feel right to wrap your arms around a Vietnamese boy on a moped, Phil will get jealous. Lyn & Karlyn taught us, once again, that they sure do love to compare the Race to childbirth. Rob & Kimberly taught us nothing. And Dustin & Kandice taught us that they will not be upset if neither of them wins Miss Congeniality. They're going for the million dollar crown.

Speaking of which, Terry...Tom, whatever your name is, don't give Kandice the "I really thought we were friends" speech. We all heard you say on the first episode that you didn't come on the Race to make friends, so don't expect other racers to put your friendship before the last seats on a flight. I consider Lake my friend, but if we were racing a 100-yard dash tomorrow for 100 grand, I wouldn't be surprised if he threw an elbow my way. (Am I right, Yolanda?) Besides, those girls are pageant queens. You KNOW they are capable of anything.

In closing, I think the Roadblock should have been called, "Who's ready to peddle petals on pedals?"

'Not Gonna Win the Pageant of Kindness' - Episode 3

2006-10-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Once again Laura refuses to write the recap so here's my two cents - I watched it on the East coast channel so for those of you in Vancouver (and on Pacific Time) this may be a spoiler since there's still about 20 mins until the episode airs.

Teams start this leg with no money and have to make their way from

Mongolia

to Hanoi, Vietnam. Once out of the gates they need to drive themselves to a hotel and book flights. The booking office opened at 9am so everyone pretty much had time to catch up. At 9 it was 'supposed' to be an organized line getting to the agents although the Beauty Queens budged ahead of T&T and no one was really impressed.

All teams were on the same flight. On the ground in Hanoi, they had to travel by taxi to an old POW camp nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton". The money tally at this point was about $40 for Rob & Kimberly, $21 for the Beauty Queens and Duke & Lauren had measly $11 left over from the last leg.

On the flight over Duke befriended a local and thought it might be a good move to bring her along in the cab with them, to make sure they got to the right place - BIG mistake. She held them up at the airport while she went to get her baggage - THEN demanded to get dropped off FIRST by the cab, taking them about 30 minutes off course and spending fare they didn't have. Duke & Lauren arrived at their destination and offered the $11 to the cab driver who was gracious enough to accept it -- they got SO LUCKY on that one.

The gates opened at 8am so teams were again grouped up and all raced through the buildings to find their clue. It was located at the site of Sen. John McCane's prison garb - he spent several years there during the Vietnam War. The Brothers took a moment of silence in respect/honor of all those (past and present) who were involved in combat.

Teams then made their way into town and for a Road Block, had to sell 80,000 worth of flowers (which is equal to about 5 US dollars) then receive their next clue. Teams had to take a bus to another town, Vac where they received their Detours.

Once in Vac the Brothers asked some locals for directions, who then offered them a ride on their scooters. Phil's voice then comes on (once the Brothers refuse) and says that teams are prohibited from riding on motorbikes in

Vietnam

due to safety reasons. Unfortunately T&T did not read this part of their last clue/message and when offered a ride by some locals, they took it - this would come back to haunt them.

At the Detour: Fuel or Fowl. For Fuel, teams had to take wet muddy coal and mold 30 bricks using a press. In Fowl, they had to assemble/weave an elaborate birdcage. All teams chose to do Fuel but Duke & Lauren got lost on the way to the Detour and ended up at the Fowl task. It had taken them so long to get to that point so they stayed and completed that task.

Over at Fuel, the Brothers were WAY ahead but once 30 bricks were done, they were told they were all too small and had to begin again. The Coalminer and his wife (naturally) chose this task as well. "This ain't real coal - ours is hard, this is like mud!"

The Brothers still ended up being the first team to complete the Detour and made their way to the mat. The second team to arrive was T&T but Phil informed them of their penalty for taking the scooter rides. They then had to stand aside for 30 minutes and watch all the other teams pass through the mat. With one team left to check in, their time was up and they were able to check in. The last team to arrive was Duke & Lauren.

I don't think their ultimate downfall was the lady with the cab - although that was a pretty dumb move on Duke's part. I think it was when they were searching for the Detour and got lost - then decided to do the Fowl task.

'Bama (the single mothers from Alabama) did okay in this leg of the race and expressed fondness for the Kentucky couple (Coalminer and his wife) saying it's all a part of being from the South.

Sarah's realizing that she ain't too crazy for Peter, except for the fact that the Vietnamese woman seemed to love his 'good looks and blond hair' and Rob & Kimberly are as moody as ever - although it seems like next week they really have it out (Mojo style).

All in all there seem to be some good vibes going around the teams with only the Beauty Queens really going for the throat - doesn't look like either of them will be winning Miss Congeniatlity any time soon.

Babe, Episode 2, Babe

2006-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm writing the recap because Laura is boycotting the blog right now. She doesn't like ANY of the teams and was completely unenthused about posting. So the show better smarten up eh?! -------------------------------------

The teams started out on the second leg of the race and proceeded to Mongolia by bus. Tyler and James were the first to depart in the morning as they were the first to the mat the night before. Once off the bus all teams raced to a temple where a nice little man in a mask handed them their next clue (and if the Hippies were on this season they would have said "Thanks Santa!" Ahh!) .

Now, the amazing part of the entire episode, featuring ancient Jeep-type Russian vehicles from decades of yore, was that everyone knew how to drive stick. Unlike other seasons where teams would get all flustered and weepy. Oh, except for Rob who said the grinding noise wasn't him ... it was the car.

The teams piled into their little Jeep-y Rover-y type trucks and took off for the town of Terelj. Several teams had car troubles including the models, Tyler and James who had a flat (and a busted jack). Coalminer and his wife managed to get their car stuck so far in the mud you could barely see the tops of the tires. By this point, the teams were rather staggered.

Once at their destination, everyone had to saddle up and go by horse to the site of the next challenges. "Do horses smell fear?" asked Kimberly who ended up getting a face full of tree branch when her horse bolted off (with her on it). After the horsey rides the teams ran into a detour: take it down or fill it up.

Take it down involved disassembling a nomad hut, packing everything up and securing it for transport. For Fill it up, teams had to lead indegenous bison-ox-type animals pulling carts over to the river to fill up cans with water. They then had to cart them back and pour the cans they filled into a huge drum. Teams had troubles controlling the beasts and overall I think the Take it down would have been much easier (and less frustrating).

When the tasks were complete, they headed to their final challenges of the leg. They had to shoot a flaming arrow over a wall and several hundred feet away into a dish - that would then light up in big fire-ball fashion. Everyone seemed to have problems with this as well and the single moms & cheerleaders lagged way behind as they ran into car trouble and couldn't figure out directions.

Able to send their arrow soaring spot on to victory, Peter and Sarah arrived first at the mat, winning a trip for two to Mexico. Not far behind were the models, Tyler and James - who came from way behind after the blown-tire incident. Next came Duke and Lauren, then after a bit of a struggle with the bow n' arrow, Tom and Terry. The beauty queens and the happy couple followed suit but not until after they hand another quarrel and 'babe' war. David & Mary, Erwin & Godwin (the brothers who fell in the rankings due to car trouble) and finally Lyn & Karlyn arrived at the pit stop. The cheerleaders arrived at dusk and struggled in vain to get their arrow to hit the target, after what seemed like a long time (since it turned pitch black outside), they finally gave up - they had no more energy to keep attempting the stunt. Quitters.

It was fairly uneventful. The blonds were ditsy, the old cars broke down, the couple that bitches at each other finished in a respectible position and giggled and kissed once it was over.

Next week some of the comraderie between the teams goes out the window and Laura still searches for a favourite.

Item of note: On the official site, there's a section called "Return of the Racers" where some of the past winners and participants have some blogs posted.

What are your thoughts so far?

(All images property of the official site on CBS.com)

Canadian Outback

2006-09-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

I flipped out when I saw this 'route marker' box outside of Red Robon on Thurlow and Robson [googlemaps] the other day. Upon closer inspection, it was for a coporate team challenge by 'Canadian Outback Adventures'.
We create Outdoor Adventures, Corporate Team Building Events, and Unique Stories that you'll never forget. We make it possible for people to live stories worth telling.
Another little taste of the race here in Vancouver.

Tonight is episode two, 8pm on CTV (or 5:00pm if you have digital cable and can watch it on an east coast station... like I do then I spoil it for Laura and Gus while they're still at work.... yeah I'm a stinker).

From Seattle to Beijing

2006-09-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Amazing Race kicked off tonight and we kicked it off with an impromtu get together at Rebecca & John's apartment. Three out of the four contributors to this site were present, though one of us had to work for most of the episode. Phil warned the racers that there would be some unexpected surprises on this season of the race and apparently, though I missed it, every leg will be an elimination leg. The teams began their race on a rain slick hill in Seattle. Almost the entire first hour was dedicated to the navigation through Seattle's traffic in the racers' quest to locate the SeaTac airport. Some teams failed to read their clues carefully and tried to return their cars to the car rental return lot rather than parking them in the Thrifty's Parking Lot. There were only two flights that the teams were allowed to take. The first through United would only have enough seats for six teams and would give them an hour lead on the remaining teams. The soccer moms were put out because Sara got to board the plane first, what with her prostethic & all. But I have to admit that the best airport situation was when the Cho brothers had their water pistols confiscated by the airport police. Hello?! Where have you been for the past 5 years?! If you can't take fluids on a plane, why would they let you take gun shaped toys on it! Oh, boys are dumb!

Once in Beijing, the teams had to locate a restaurant and dine on a Chinese delicacy...... Fish Eyes! Yum-my! For the teams that gagged their way through it, I only have this to say: Suck it up! There were only four fish heads so, how many eyes do you think they really had to eat?! These people come on the show and they don't expect to do things that will push them to their limits. Have they never watched the show before?! From there, they raced to the Forbidden City & had to pull times from a lighted block that would dictate the order in which they would leave the site the next morning. After some confusion & dillydallying, Bilal & Sayeed were the first team to be eliminated from the race in a surprise elimination during the overnight break! Phil did warn them to expect the unexpected! (God, I love Phil!)

The next day, teams raced to find penny cabs that would take them to their detours. They had a choice between Labour (arranging bricks in a specific pattern in a set space) or Leisure (learning a Chinese relaxation exercise). Most of the teams decided to do the "Labour" choice but failed to notice that the outer rim had to be constructed from the gray bricks before they could begin the pattern in the middle with the red ones. Only the gay couple team & the cheerleader team tried the "Leisure" choice. Once they had their clue, they had to race to the Great Wall and scale one of the turrets to reach Phil & the Pit Stop Mat (sounds like a weird rock band). Due to some techinical difficulties with her prostethic, Sara tried to take it slow but the wall proved to be a great challenge for her. But in the end, it was Vipul & Arti who were eliminated second from the race.

The group consensus is that Tom & Terry are the comic relief for this season; Rob & Kimberley are the new team MoJo; and the coalminer & his wife are just so redneck it's endearing.

Favourite Quote from this episode was from the Cheerleaders, Kellie & Jamie:

Do Muslims believe in Buddha?

It's Here!

2006-09-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow you're all invited over to our place for the premiere of AR10! Okay well, Gus and Laura are :p The new season kicks off at 8:30 ET/PT on CBS and we'll be sure to blog our every reaction.

For the show's trailer, click here and stay tuned!

Amazing Race for Vancouverites

2006-09-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just came across an add for the Vancouver "Navigate the Streets" challenge this morning. I made a post to Metroblogging Vancouver so check it out. If you the have money (and the time) join the run around Vancouver this Sunday. Don't forget to bring all the high tech gadgets possible to help you out.

If you're not interested in participating I'm sure we'll catch a glimpse of the racers throughout the day.

This Sunday is also the PREMIERE of AR10 - are you excited? Well.... ARE YA?

Picks Before the Start!

2006-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

I know Laura has already said she didn't want to give her pick yet before the start, but what the hell, here I go!

Ok I gave this a lot of thought (NOT) and I have decided the following team will win:

Rob & Kimberly

Why? I don’t know, just a gut feeling, though probably the models will win it as they are young and fit. Maybe it's because they almost sound like Rob and Amber of previous fame. :)

Who deserves to win it? We’ll have to see after the first couple of shows.

Fourth Emmy for AR

2006-08-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Race won its fourth consecutive Emmy for reality-competition program, once again besting a field that included American Idol and Survivor. The Amazing Race has now won the Emmy in four of the five years in which it was eligible. [national post]

Just Three More Weeks!

2006-08-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, racers! Get your VCRs, PVRs & DVRs ready! The Amazing Race 10 starts in just over three weeks! The season premiere is set for Sunday, September 17th at 8:30pm on CBS and will be 1.5 hours long. Since it's going to be on the weekends, I promise to try to write my recaps in a more timely manner..... but at least on the same day.

The teams have been picked, though I have yet to pick my picks for this season. Finding a bit of a problem making them, though. None of the teams have jumped out at me as true contenders for the $1 million. I'll probably make my picks after the first episode when they tell you a little more about the teams. The Peter & Sarah team does looks interesting, though (reminds me of Chad on Survivor). But, I just can't believe after watching Treasure Hunters that I'm going to be subjected to another Miss USA team so soon. Ah, but I would endure any torture to spend some time with Phil again. *sigh*

If I can get my co-contributors to this site to voice them, I'll write post my picks & theirs after the first episode as well as my episode recap. See you then!

Side note for PNE-goers: If you're going by the CTV booth near the Home Depot showcase, you can stop and get your picture with Phil. Well, you can get yourself digitally inserted into a picture with Phil but who'll know the difference.

12 Teams Announced Today

2006-07-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the spoiler from Gus earlier this month, we know that the new race is starting in Seattle, WA this year. Today CBS announced the participants:

1. Vipul & Arti - a married team from Windermere, Florida. The first Indian-American team to run the race; he's in sales & she's a nutritional educator.

2. Erwin & Godwin - brothers team from San Francisco, California. Erwin, the insurance company manager, is older than than Godwin, the financial analyst, who is tired of living in his older brother's shadow.

3. Tom & Terry - dating team from New York City, who have been together for two years. Tom is a college admissions director & Terry is a special events director. They're hoping the race will prove they have what it takes to stay together. (every time I see their names, I say in my head "Tom & Jerry" and then picture a cute brown mouse & a grey/blue cat chasing him)

4. Kellie & Jamie - best friends team from Columbia, South Carolina, where they were co-captains for the USC cheerleading squad. (Can you see me rolling my eyes?). Kelly is currently a broadcast journalism student, while Jamie is a recent college grad.

5. Lyn & Karlyn - best friends team from Alabama. This is the "moms" team. Every race has one. These ladies have known each other since 9th grade. Lyn is a 4th grade teacher & Karlyn is a program analyst.

6. David & Mary - married parents team from Stone, Kentucky. He's a coal miner & she's a stay at home mom; they met while working at McDonald's 10 years ago (Oh, Geesh!)

7. Bilal & Sa'eed - best friends team from Cleveland, Ohio. Bilal is a medical supply technician & Sa'eed is a power lineman.

8. Peter & Sarah - friends team from California. Sarah, a motivational speaker, was the first woman with an artifical leg to complete the Iron Man Triathalon in Hawaii; Peter is a clinical prosthetist.

9. Rob & Kimberly - dating team from Los Angeles,California, who have been together for the last two years after meeting while bartending (eyes are rolling, again). They just moved in together and they are going on the race to "test" their relationship. He is a bartender/Real Estate Student and she's in Public Relations.

10. Tyler & James - best friends team from Los Angeles. This is our "model" team this season. Did they have one in Season 9? Maybe they decided to lay off after having that one season with two pairs of models in it. After losing track of each other a few years ago, the boys reconnected after going through rehab together.... this is almost as bad as the beauty queens and the bartenders.... rolling my eyes again.

11. Dustin & Kandice - best friends team, who met while rooming together at the Miss USA Pageant..... what the frick is with all the Miss USA teams on reality TV this season?! Dustin from Riverside, CA is the reigning Miss California, now a marketing director; Kandice from New York, NY is the reigning Miss New York, now a rockette (there's a big leap!).

12. Duke & Lauren - father/daughter team from Rhode Island. Until recently, the pair were estranged after Lauren told her family she's gay. They are hoping the race will help them recapture their previously close relationship. He owns a tour company and she's a speech & language pathologist.

I don't have any picks as of yet. I'll wait until I see the official bios on CBS' site for that. But I do have one question for everyone: Why do people think the Amazing Race is a good place to test out fragile/new relationships? Have these people never seen an episode before?!

NOTE: some edits made 8/26/06 are noted in bold from information on the offical AR10 site

information care of comingsoon.net

The Race is ON!!!

2006-07-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ok so the Race has officially started being taped. Yes taped. Now this won't run until the fall, but here are a few locations of where the race has been spotted: Warning SPOILERS!

1. Seattle to Beijing, China
2. Beijing to Ulan Bator, Mongolia
3. Ulan Bator to Christchurch, New Zealand
4. Christchurch to Singapore
5. Singapore to Kuwait
6. Kuwait to Mombasa, Kenya
7. Mombasa to Mauritius
8. Mauritius to Parnu, Estonia
9. Parnu to Turku, Finland
10. Turku to ?
11. ? to Barcelona, Spain
12. Barcelona to finish

Take it as you might, but nothing is offical until they start airing the Race.

Through my lovely Google search I came across the following video of 2 teams racing to a clue box.

http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i25/izabela74/?action=view&current=tar10roadblockwmv.flv

Enjoy!!!

Not Airing Until the Fall

2006-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Maybe not coming as soon as we would hope. Apparently filming of the next season of Amazing Race isn't slated to start until June (either in or around) and won't air until the fall season. During which CBS has decided to move it to Sunday nights, the third time slot move for the series since season one. Though for some reason, I remember it being on Sundays prior to being on Tuesdays but I might just be delirious. I may have just caught a re-run of an episode on OLN on Sunday once, one never knows with me.

2006-05-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon!

EDIT: i meant the website :p