Amazing Race Season 28 Preview & Cast Bios

This season on Amazing Race, all of the teams have one thing in common: social media. All of the teams have acheived fame via social media platforms such as: YouTube, Vine, and Instagram.

Race Details:
11 teams of 2 started the race on November, 15, 2015. Unlike other seasons, each team actually began the race in their hometowns, instead of all together at a starting line. Phil Keoghan live-streamed the teams' arrivals at the first clue location at the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City, Mexico. The race concluded on December 6, 2015

Cities Traveled: 18
Countries Traveled: 10
New Locations: Cartagena, Colombia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Yerevan, Armenia
Miles Traveled: 27,000

Season 28 of The Amazing Race starts Friday, February 12.

The Racers:

Amazing Race: Season 27 Cast Bios

Season 27 of The Amazing Race premieres on Friday, September 25, at 8:00 PM EST, on CBS.

This cast seems to back to basics, with 11 all new couples. It seems like it's been quite awhile since we've had a cast full of all "normal" people. Normal, as in, no celebrities/athletes/reality show stars.

Let's see who's racing around the world this season!

Amazing Race 26: Preview and Cast Bios

This season of The Amazing Race will be like no other. For the first time, they are slightly changing up the formula. There will still be teams of 2 racing around the world, however, this time, all of the couples' connections will be that they are dating. No brother/sister, mother/daughter, married, co-workers, etc. All dating couples. And to further the twist, some of the couples don't even know each other! 6 couples are pre-existing dating relationships, while the remaining 5 pairs are being set up on a "blind date" that will take them racing around the world. How's that for a twist?

We know how hard it is for couples, and not even just couples, but even family and friends to race with each other, and these people have some idea about how to work with and communicate with each other. These 5 couples who have never met will be starting from scratch. This is going to be very interesting! Will this end some relationships or will some new ones be formed? I can't wait to find out!

Our 11 dating couples will cover 35,000 miles, over 5 continents, and 8 countries.

The excitement kicks off on the 90-minute premiere, on Wednesday, February 25 at 8:00 PM EST on CBS (following the Survivor premiere).

Pre-Existing Couples

The Amazing Race, Ep. 25.12 -- Finale

Leg 12 -- The Final Leg: Manila, Philippines > Los Angeles, USA

4 teams are left...hoping that the only good team worth rooting for, Adam & Bethany, come out with the win.

Brooke is NOT happy to see Amy & Maya were not eliminated and are still racing.

After arriving in LA, Misti & Jim get lost and go the wrong way.

Adam & Bethany and Amy & Maya arrive at City Hall first to receive their clue. Misti & Jim aren't too far behind. Brooke & Robbie are driving around and have no clue what they are doing. They are way in last place. They started out in first, and are now in last. Last leg, they were last and ended up in first. I've never seen a team so up and down. And now they are just arguing...not looking good for them.

Amy & Maya ask strangers to use their phone so they can find directions to their next location. Adam & Bethany stop at a fire station for directions, where one of the firemen recognizes her. Unfortunately, they can't stay and chat.

Road Block: Action Hero

Amazing Race, Ep. 25.11

Leg 11: Manila, Philippines

Misti & Jim lead it off. Misti injured her foot in the last leg and had to be bandaged up by medical.

Misti & Jim and Amy & Maya take the same transportation, and find out they were going the wrong way.

Speed Bump
Brooke & Robbie arrived at the Detour 2nd, but have to complete the Speed Bump because of the non-elimination last leg. They have to take stuff and move it from one cart to another.

They completed the task before the other 2 teams make it to the Detour, so they didn't lose their place, only some time.

Detour: This or That
There is no explanation of what either Detour is...it's a blind pick.

This: shoot hoops while being guarded by a local team. They have to get 21 points.

That: teams have to ride bikes with side cars, and they have to complete the course in a certain amount of time.

Adam & Bethany arrive first, and choose "This". They work well together, but it's hard for her to pass with one arm. Adam missed free throw after free throw. Finally, after what seemed like a lot of misses, they get 21 just as Brooke & Robbie show up.

Brooke played basketball growing up, so she thinks this will be an easy task for them. Let's just say, she was a little bit rusty. Once she got started, she started nailing everything. I'm not sure if Robbie made any.

Misti & Jim and Amy & Maya decide to do whatever is the closest, and that happens to be "That". Steering and breaks are real issues with these bikes. Each lap, they have to switch. Misti's foot proved to be a problem for her pedaling the bike.

Amy & Maya lose control and their bike goes free-wheelin' and smacks into a parked car.

Amy & Maya finish first, and not far behind Misti & Jim finish, and they were both under the allotted time.

Adam can't find the clue! Oh no! Luckily they remember part of the name of the street they need to be on. I just hope they don't get penalized for not having the clue. They continue to look for their clue, and he finally finds it buried in his bag!

Roadblock: Deliver the Goods
Pick up and deliver coconut products to 3 different shops. The items were brooms and bowls...and there's a lot of them to carry through the narrow and congested streets.

Robbie chose to do the task. He missed that there were posted locations of where the items needed to be delivered to, so he had to go back.

Misti & Jim and Adam & Bethany arrive at the same time. Jim and Adam are doing the task, and neither of them see the posted list of where they need to go.

Robbie finds his first location, and he finds out that he didn't pay attention to "how many" of each thing he needed to deliver where. Oh my! Eventually, he does make his first delivery, and so far he's still in the lead.

Amy & Maya arrive, and Amy chooses to do the task.

Adam tells Jim that they should go back and look at the list again. By now, Robbie has made 2 deliveries.

Adam and Jim make their first delivery as Robbie makes his 3rd and final delivery. Meanwhile, Amy is on her own and is very lost. She is also injured, so this really isn't a good task to be doing. At one point she stops and says that she can't do it, and drops everything in the middle of the street.

Adam was kind of leading the way, and Jim was trying to keep up with him, but Adam was moving quickly to try to lose him.

Jim finds someone who will lend him a cart to load all his stuff on. PLEASE tell me that that is illegal and he will get penalized for that!

Amy also finds a cart that someone lets her borrow. Come on...not fair!

Adam finishes before Jim, and Adam didn't cheat! Way to go Adam!

Jim finishes, leaving just Amy left at the task. She's limping along, and looks dehydrated, but she finished.

Pit Stop
1. Brooke & Robbie -- from last to first...and they are still racing!!!!
2. Adam & Bethany
3. Misti & Jim
4. Amy & Maya -- non-elimination (come on, another one!) Amy had to be checked out because she wasn't looking so good. I'm sure they were hoping for a rest...but...they're still racing.

...and the final 3 are off to Los Angeles for the final leg!

For the first time in Amazing Race history, 4 teams get to race the final leg. And, I'm bummed. That's just one more team to mess things up!  Go Adam & Bethany!!!!

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.10

Leg 10: Singapore > Manila, Philippines

Adam & Bethany lead it off.

Adam & Bethany and Brooke & Robbie go to a travel agent to book their flight. Misti & Jim decide to go to the airport first. Amy & Maya call a travel agent on the phone on their way to the airport.

Adam & Bethany, Brooke & Robbie and Amy & Maya get flights on Singapore Airlines for the same flight to get in at 11:00 PM.

Misti & Jim get to the airport and the first flight is booked, so they have to take a later flight. They decided to go to the airport because they got screwed the last time, but this time it really came back to bite them in the butt.

At the destination, they find a sign that says they can't pick up their clue until 6:30 AM. Bummer...that means the dentists are now all caught up.

Detour: Catch or Coach
Catch: use a bucket to transfer fish from the ocean to the beach
Coach: assemble a side car and mount in on a motorcycle

All teams do Coach except for Brooke and Robbie.

Amy & Maya are all confused as the other teams pass them...they are saying that they didn't follow the clue because they didn't get into a motorized tricycle, so they might get a penalty. They finally figure it out and go back.

Brooke continually whines about how bad everything smells. And they choose the fish task...great.

They actually did a pretty good job on the very physical task. I really don't think that any of the other teams would be able to do this task. It was hard because the waves were really crashing on them as they were trying to fill the bucket. Now Robbie is completely grossed out by touching all the fish. What wimps! Then they start arguing because they dumped the bucket. And then Brooke hurt her hand on some bones from the fish. Oh my...I'm so ready for them to be gone. And then a huge storm starts to roll in. Somehow, they finish and end up in first place.

Adam & Bethany work really well together on putting the side car together. He seemed to know what he was doing, and he would tell her what she could do to help.

Misti & Jim are also doing really well. They think they are done, but something is wrong. They think they fixed it, but they are still wrong. And they're wrong a third time! He keeps missing that he has the shocks on wrong.

Adam & Bethany get it right on the first try, and they are now in second place. Woohoo!

Misti & Jim finally get it right, leaving Amy & Maya as the last team. They soon finish...I'm surprised they actually figured everything out and were able to get it all together.

Switchback: My Ox is Broken
Call-back to Season 5, in one of the biggest breakdowns ever...it's very messy and the oxen have their own ideas about what they want to do. They have to use the ox pulling a plow to churn up their clue.

Brooke & Robbie can't believe they are in first place...I can't either.

Brooke takes the lead because Robbie doesn't like animals. He is so grossed out by the ox poop. Brooke was doing a pretty good job keeping the ox moving. She is regretting her decision to choose the biggest ox and plow, but once they've chosen, they can't switch.

Adam & Bethany chose a smaller ox and plow.

All teams are now at the task at the same time. Who's going to find the clue first?

Jim loses control of his ox and he tries to go to another field. Oh no...they found the clue already! Oh no...Amy & Maya found the clue too! Noooooo!!!! Come on Adam & Bethany!

Adam & Bethany and Brooke & Robbie find the clue at the exact same time! Oh no, I can't take this!

Brooke doesn't have any shoes on, and they drop their bags, but Adam & Bethany beat them by seconds in the foot race. But...it's a non-elimination leg. Ugh! Why?!

This was the closest leg, in almost any of the races. All 4 teams were on the mat at the end.

Pitstop #10
1. Misti & Jim -- they win a trip to Vietnam
2. Amy & Maya
3. Adam & Bethany
4. Brooke & Robbie -- non-elimination

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.9

Leg 9: Malta > Singapore

Adam & Bethany lead it off. Double U-Turn ahead. All teams are in agreement to U-Turn #Cyclists.

The teams are given seats on a flight to Paris, and need to book a connecting flight. However, they can check to see if there is an earlier arriving flight...they don't have to use the Paris flight.

Adam & Bethany arrive first and ask about the earliest flights to Singapore FROM PARIS. They book a flight landing at 6:40. Misti & Jim arrive, and ask for the same flight that Adam & Bethany booked. Next come the cyclists, who ask for the earliest flight to Singapore. The agent tells them there is a flight to Rome and from Rome to Singapore that arrives at 6:00. Oh no! Misti & Jim thought Adam & Bethany checked everything out and picked the earliest flight. Bethany didn't realize that they didn't have to use the Paris connection flight. Unfortunately, there's a new rule in play that teams can't rebook a flight once they book a flight. There plans to U-Turn the cyclists is now in jeopardy.

Amy & Maya arrive and the cyclists decide to help them and get them on their flight, so they tell them about the Rome flight and the fact that they don't have to take the Paris flight. Hopefully for the other teams, since Amy & Maya want them out, maybe they can still end up ahead of them and use the U-Turn.

Fast Forward
The first team to accomplish it gets the Fast Forward. The task is to ride the Flo Rider artificial waves and they both have to stay up for 2 minutes.

Kym & Alli are going to try for the Fast Forward because the other teams won't try it, assuming that one of the earlier teams went for it already.

Adam & Bethany read the clue, and they seriously consider going for it because they are surfers...even though they know that someone else may already be there trying it. You don't have to get their first, a team just have to complete it first.

They decide to go for it since they are behind any way.

Kym & Alli are there trying the task when Adam & Bethany arrive. Kym & Alli look like they are doing pretty well...darn it! They have both gotten past a minute, but have fallen several times. When they see Adam & Bethany arrive, I think that messed with their heads a little.

Adam & Bethany go for their first try, with Kym & Alli looking on. Adam looks really unsteady, and he fell even before letting go of the rope. Oh no!

Now it's Kym & Alli's turn again. Kym goes down! It's back to Adam & Bethany. Come on guys! He looks better this time, but there is so much time to go yet. I'm so nervous he's going to fall. Kym & Alli decide it's not worth it to stick around, so they pack up to leave. And Adam & Bethany get it done! Woohoo!

Kym & Alli are furious and fighting because Kym was the one who wanted to go for the Fast Forward and Alli didn't think they should have, but she listened to Kym.

Adam & Bethany now get to go the the Pit Stop!

Road Block: High Wire Act

Amazing Race, Ep. 25.8

Leg 8: Sicily > Malta

Misti & Jim lead it off

Route Info
Teams have to each carry a heavy tray with drinks up stairs. If anything breaks, they have to clean it up and start over.

Most teams have to do it more than once.

Roadblock: Into the Blue
One team member will repel down a cliff, and then search the water below for their next clue.

Alli was first to get down and find the clue. Misti and Tim were next.

It is amazing to see how fast Bethany can swim with only one arm. She was the first to make it down the rope from the second group. She smoked Amy and Robbie.

Robbie was ahead of Amy, but she passed him swimming back to the boat. That was pretty impressive.

Detour: Flag or Shine
They got no description for either one, so they had nothing to go on when picking which one to do.

Flag: walk on a long pole, that was greased, over water and grab 2 flags off a long pole

Tim & Te Jay see the flag challenge, but realize they didn't get the clue. Once they find the clue, they also find their Speed Bump. For their Speed Bump, they have to paint shields with a design.

Misti & Jim also didn't find the clue before starting the flag challenge, so they stop and look for the clue. Since this challenge was hard, they now know they don't want to go back to that one.

Kym & Alli start the challenge, but decide to switch.

Adam and Bethany choose to use their Express Pass instead of completing the flag challenge. I'm not really sure why they didn't even attempt the challenge. They weren't in last place or anything. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I think this might be the last leg they can use it...that would make sense.

Tim & Te Jay can't get the 2nd flag. They have been at this for hours. They don't want to switch because they've wasted so much time on this challenge. Both are getting frustrated with each other. Eventually, they do switch.

Shine: polish armor, while wearing the armor. I thought this one looked easier than the other one, but it was really taking a long time to get the armor completely clean and shiny.

Brooke & Robbie appear to not have that much more to do, but they decide to switch to Flag. After a couple attempts, they give up and come back to the Shine task.

Misti & Jim are the first to complete the task, followed by Kym & Alli. Amy & Maya finish, leaving Brooke & Robbie. Brooke & Robbie were frustrated to be the last team...but then in walks Tim & Te Jay, and suddenly their chances got a whole lot better.

Pitstop #8
1. Adam & Bethany - they win $10,000 each
2. Misti & Jim
3. Kym & Alli
4. Amy & Maya
5. Brooke & Robbie
6. Tim & Te Jay - eliminated

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.7

It's the all-time 300th leg of The Amazing Race!

Leg 7: Morocco > Sicily, Italy

Misti & Jim lead it off

The first flight with Misti & Jim and Kym & Alli arrived at 8:00. The second flight with the rest of the teams arrived at 8:40. They get to their destination and the clue says it doesn't open until 6:30 the next morning, which means everyone is all together.

Everyone struggles to find a taxi, but Misti & Jim and Kym & Alli were lucky to find one pretty quickly. Brooke & Robbie have the worst luck, and wander around for quite awhile looking really lost, with no taxi in sight...for 40 minutes!

Road Block: On the Fast Track
One member of the team will drive a go-cart on a track along a mountain and then ride back in a vintage racecar. They have to do it in under 4:07.

Jim and Kym take off for their teams, followed by Maya, Adam and Te Jay not too far behind.

Jim and Kym passed, but Maya finished in 4:32, so she had to do it again. The bad thing is that heats only run every 20 minutes.

Somehow Brooke & Robbie caught up and she is in the race. She passed by Maya on the course!

They all passed in the same round.

Detour: Painters or Posers
Painters: restore a fresco on a high scaffolding--only 4 teams can do it...first come, first served
Misti & Jim, Kym & Alli, Adam & Bethany, Tim & Te Jay

Adam & Bethany, Tim & Te Jay and Amy & Maya were all fighting for just 2 spots. Amy & Maya lost out, so they had to leave and go to the other Detour.

After 2 visits by the judge, Misti & Jim get the OK, and Kym & Alli aren't too far behind.

After what seems like quite a while, Adam & Bethany pass, with Tim & Te Jay

Posers: listen to an opera, and then match characters and the opera they sang
Amy & Maya, Brooke & Robbie

This one looks like it's going to be really hard. Brooke & Robbie realize how hard it is after sitting through it once. They thought they might want to switch. Then they realized all they had to do was match costumes. They go back to listen to it again, and are joined by Amy & Maya.

Brooke & Robbie are ready to have their answers checked. They got one wrong, so they had to start over. Amy & Maya also have one wrong. The 2 teams now decide it would be better to work together. That worked and they got it right. Amy & Maya presented theirs first, so they got to leave before Brooke & Robbie...who arrived first at the Detour. They are now in 3rd and 4th place.

Pitstop #7
1. Misti & Jim -- they win a trip to Jamaica
2. Kym & Alli
3. Amy & Maya
4. Brooke & Robbie
5. Adam & Bethany
6 Tim & Te Jay -- NON-ELIMINATION

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.6

Leg 6: Morocco

Kym & Alli lead it off

Route Info: Horse-Drawn Carriage
A few teams thought the destination was close, so they decided to walk...it turns out to be 10 km away.

They have to carry 2 bags of hay, carry it up a ladder and stack their bags. Then they take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Bethany totally just climbed that ladder with one arm and pulled up the bags of hay as Adam handed to her. Wow!

Adam & Bethany are the first to complete the task. Amy & Maya see them and ask where they are supposed to go. All they told them was that they needed to get a taxi.

Tim & Te Jay continue to be lost, and Amy & Maya grabbed hay but not from the marked feed station. The 2 teams are now trying to work together to figure out what they are supposed to do.

Shelley & Nici get totally lost on the way to the Detour.

Detour: Camp or Cream
Camp: set up a tent
Cream: milk a goat to fill a milk pail, and then churn it into a 3 oz bowl of butter

Camp: Misti & Jim, Tim & Te Jay
Cream: Adam & Bethany, Brooke & Robbie, Kym & Alli, Amy & Maya

Kym & Alli decide to switch tasks because they find out they have to shake the milk in the animal skin for 45 minutes. They think they can put up a tent in 45 minutes. They switch and are having no luck with their tent. They think now that they shouldn't have quit. So...they switch back.

Brooke is having trouble catching her coat. Robbie holds the bowl and tells her that he is over there with the bowl whenever she's ready. Oh my gosh. He like doesn't even want to touch the goat. As she is milking the goat, she keeps moving. Brooke says she needs her to not move...he says "I'm holding him"...yes, he said "him".

Adam was so funny, he started to chant like the local guy who was making the butter. Ha!

Road Block: Crossing Canyons
They have to cross a very wobbly board bridge with only little wires to hold onto, and part way through there is a puzzle, and then finish on a zip line.

Misti is the first to try. She was the only one there, and made it through with no other teams passing her.

Bethany is the next to try. She did so good, only being able to balance with one arm. She had to switch her clips with only one arm, and it was no problem. The problem came with putting the puzzle together...it was hard for her to put the pieces together.She took her shoes off and used her feet to hold everything together. And it worked!

Tim is on the course and gets to the puzzle. But Kym was bookin' it across the ropes and joined him at the puzzle. They decide to work together to figure out the puzzle. I think he would have been there all day if she hadn't helped him.

Brooke complained the whole way across the ropes, and then got to the puzzle and had no clue what she was supposed to do. Maya made it to the puzzle, and meanwhile, Brooke moaned and complained "I don't understand why these don't go together...I don't know what I'm supposed to do...I don't get it, I just don't get it." Wah wah wah. Finally she gets it, and Maya is still trying to figure it out.

Shelley is the last to arrive.

Pitstop #6
1. Misti & Jim -- win a trip to Brazil
2. Adam & Bethany
3. Kym & Alli
4. Tim & Te Jay
5. Brooke & Robbie
6. Amy & Maya
7. Shelley & Nici -- eliminated (Finally!!!)

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.5

5th Leg: Copenhagen Denmark -> Marrakech, Morocco

Kym & Alli lead it off.

Speed Bump: Getting the Hang of it
Because last leg was a non-elimination leg, Misti & Jim have to complete an extra task. They are feeling pretty good because they still have their Save, so no matter what, they can't be eliminated this leg.

For their task, they have to carry a bunch of rugs and then use poles to hook them up on the wall.

They really struggle, as Misti can't seem to get the hang of hanging, and Jim won't let her help with the more easy task of tying the bottoms. Needless to say, there was quite a bit of arguing going on.

Route Info: Cart it Out
They have to pick a cart and get it set up to sell on the street. The carts were really heavy and they were all having trouble moving and then stopping the carts. They were running into everyone and everything.

Keith & Whitney are the first to complete the task! Yay!

All teams finish, and Misti & Jim arrive. Phil tells us that they are now about 12 minutes behind all the other teams.

Road Block: Pulling Your Hair Out
They have to get hair off of hides and then take the hides on bikes to the tanner.

Bethany chose to do the Roadblock because she's really been wanting to do one to get the butterflies out. This seems like it could be really difficult with just one arm. But she always does better than you think she would. She was using her feet to help pull and it was working pretty well for her. She got some help from some locals to load her bike. I don't know how she is going to be able to ride the bike and balance. But she did, she just kind of walked the bike instead of riding it.

All the teams were at about the same stage in the task, and no one could find where they were supposed to go.

Misti bumped into Nici and knocked all her hides off. Ha! Then a local did the same thing to her. Crazy busy streets!

Now they have to find their way back. Shelley tries to push Keith out of the way to get their clue. It's clear these 2 teams don't really like each other.

Detour: Twirl Time or Tea Time
Twirl Time: twirl their tassles on their head for one minute while also keeping a beat
Tea Time: carry a tea set through the busy streets, then balance tray with one arm while the other pours the tea

I think the Tea Time task would be much harder than the other one, because the streets are always so crazy.

Twirl Time: Shelley & Nici, Kym & Alli, Keith & Whitney, Amy & Maya
Tea Time: Misti & Jim, Adam & Bethany, Tim & Te Jay, Brooke & Robbie

Misti did not hold the tray with one hand, so they had to do it again, but they aren't told what they are doing wrong. It took them 10 times to get it right. Brooke & Robbie didn't pour high enough.

Bethany only has one arm, so the balancing for her was really easy. Adam did a great job pouring, and they were the first to finish!

Kym & Alli were the first to finish the Twirl task. Keith & Whitney were really struggling and were trying to decide if they should switch tasks. They were last, and decided to switch tasks.

U-Turn
Shelley & Nici U-Turn Keith & Whitney. Noooo! They should have done Misti & Jim so they would have to use their Save.

After switching tasks, they find out they are are U-Turned, and finally in the dark, after trying for over 2 hours they complete the Twirl task. Such a bummer! I can't stand Shelley & Nici!

Pitstop #5:
1. Kym & Alli -- they win $5,000 each
2. Adam & Bethany
3. Tim & Te Jay
4. Shelley & Nici
5. Brooke & Robbie
6. Misti & Jim
7. Amy & Maya
8. Keith & Whitney -- eliminated

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.4

4th Leg: Shetland Islands, Scotland -> Copenhagen, Denmark

Misti & Jim lead it off. The teams need to take a ferry to Aberdeen. From there they will be flying to Denmark. Misti & Jim went one step further from just booking the ferry, they also looked into and booked their flight. The other teams, after being told that there was no travel agent, decided to wait until after they take the ferry.

Some teams go to the airport and book early flights, while some teams wait 2 hours for the travel agency to open to book their flights. Mistake!!!

The first flight landed at 2:10. Kym & Alli managed to get an earlier flight than Misti & Jim. And ended up in first place. Misti & Jim got a 4:00 arrival, while. all the rest weren't until after 5:00.

After landing the teams have to drive to Sweeden using an energy efficient car. If they are under the allotted energy usage, they get a clue. If they use more than .1 gallon of fuel, they have to answer a geographical question.

Detour: Parking Space or Wedding Cake

Amazing Race, Ep. 25.3

Leg 3: London England -> Shetland Islands, Scotland

Adam & Bethany lead it off, and they decide to work with Misti & Jim on the way to the train station. Michael took a tumble and hurt his ankle. His ankle starts to swell and turn all kinds of colors of purple. It looks incredibly painful!

Kym & Alli think the rest of the teams are "square" and boring. They have 6 hours to kill and the rest of the groups are hanging out. So, they decide to go to a pub. Doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

Detour: Pony Up or Light My Fire
Pony Up -- cut pieces of peat, and then use a pony to deliver it to a house
Light My Fire -- build a Viking torch; there are 3 steps that they have to pass in the creation of the torch (Vikings in Scotland?)

Tasks with animals are usually really difficult, because the animals are unpredictable. Not surprising that only a few teams chose that task.

Pony Up -- Misti & Jim, Shelley & Nici, Adam & Bethany, Amy & Maya
Light My Fire -- Keith & Whitney, Brooke & Robbie, Tim & Te Jay, Michael & Scott, Kym & Alli

Those ponies were sassy! Misti & Jim's made a good first run, but the second time was pretty crazy. The other teams really struggled to control their pony. Surprisingly (maybe it's editing), but all 4 teams seemed to finish before the Light My Fire groups.

Brooke & Robbie seem to take FOREVER to complete this task.

Route Info: Flock Together

Amazing Race, Ep. 25.2

Leg 2

Misti & Jim lead it off, and the teams are off to London, England. The flights are an hour apart.

The first 6 teams make it to the airport and have to wait for the flight. The last 4 teams are on the second flight.

The Scientists (Maya & Amy) lend Bethany a pair of shoes. Somehow Bethany lost one of her shoes on the last leg. It just so happens they wear the same size! How nice of them!

Detour: About Face or Pancake Race
About Face: join the Queen's guard and learn the precise moves and steps
Pancake Race: dress up like chef's and make a pancake; then race while flipping the pancake and they have 1:15 to complete the race

Misti & Jim, Tim & Te Jay, Maya & Amy, Kym & Alli, Shelley & Nici, Brooke & Robbie do the About Face

Misti & Jim were out of step, but they nailed it on their second attempt. Kym & Alli get it on the second attempt as well. Tim & Te Jay are the next to complete the task, followed by Maya & Amy. Shelley & Nici finish, leaving Brooke & Robbie in last.

Adam & Bethany, Keith & Whitney, Michael & Scott, Dennis & Isabelle do the Pancake Race

Adam & Bethany did a great job and are the first to finish. She had to do it all with just one arm, and she made it look easy. They complete the task before anyone else shows up. Keith & Whitney didn't quite make it in the time, which means they have to start completely over! Oh no! Michael & Scott made sloppy pancakes, so they weren't allowed to start the race. Dennis & Isabelle also just barely miss the time and they too have to start over. Brooke & Robbie continue to fail over and over. After what seemed like the entire day, they finally complete the task.

Keith & Whitney make it on their next try. Michael or Scott (don't know who's who) dropped the pancake. They are now racing against Dennis & Isabelle. Both teams make it through, but Michael & Scott failed because there was insufficient tossing. But Dennis & Isabelle passed. 3rd attempt for Michael & Scott and again one of them drops the pancake during a flip. Finally after 6 attemps they complete it.

Route Info: Drop Back and Punt
Complete 1 lap on a raft/boat. One person has to steer with a long pole, while the other person waves a flag.

Misti & Jim do it wrong, and they were standing on the wrong ends, so they have to do it again. Kym & Alli also do it wrong. A couple boats collided and Whitney fell in. Things are going good, and Whitney said "we're doing good, I only fell in once"...and then a tree branch hits her in the face and she falls in again! Oh dear. She shouldn't feel too bad, it was like an epidemic and everyone started falling in!

And now, I'm speechless as Nici has to pee...and she has to pee bad. She tells her mom she wants to sit in the water because it's just going to come out. So, she squats over the side of the boat, and well....you know...That's a first. Next the stream carried them the wrong way, and they can't get back to where they need to go. Dennis & Isabelle are having their own issues.

Teams now have a chance to go for the Express Pass. Adam & Bethany are the first to get this clue and they choose to go for the Express Pass. They successfully find the Express Pass, and they are now on to the Pitstop.

Pitstop #2
1. Adam & Bethany -- they win a trip to Sweden
2. Misti & Jim
3. Kym & Alli
4. Keith & Whitney
5. Tim & Te Jay
6. Michael & Scott
7. Brooke & Robbie
8. Maya & Amy
9. Shelley & Nici
10. Dennis & Isabelle -- eliminated

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Amazing Race, Ep. 25.1

And...they're off!!! Let the race begin!

If you didn't catch my preview post with team bios, check it out here.

In a change this season, the teams have a public start, right in the middle of Time Square. Another new twist: the first team at the first pitstop earns a save. They can use it up to the 9th leg, and if they are eliminated, with the save, they get to keep racing. Also a fun note: the race started on May 31, which is Phil Keoghan's birthday!

Leg 1: 
They are off to Flushing Meadow Park. The teams get into cabs, and within the first few minutes, they are already stuck in traffic.

The teams are heading to St. Thomas. This is so crazy, because my Mom and I were just there a few weeks ago on our cruise! There are 2 flights, one arriving before the other.

Once arriving, they have to sign up for spots on a sea plane.
Flight 1: Bethany & Adam and Tim & Te Jay
Flight 2: Misti & Jim and Kym & Alli
Flight 3: Dennis & Isabelle
Flight 4: Keith & Whitney and Shelley & Nici
Flight 5: Amy & Maya and Lisa & Michelle
Flight 6: Michael & Scott and Brooke & Robbie

A scramble at the board for the last flights, and the sisters push the firefighters out of the way and steal the pen to get their names on the 5th flight. Lisa & Michelle are now seen as the bullies of the group.

Route Info: Look Before You Leap
Teams have to jump off a cliff to find their clue in the water. Already Tim & Te Jay are getting annoying. I think they're going to be whiners this whole race. Meanwhile, Bethany, with one arm, is climbing to the top without much trouble at all.

They take their clue to Blackbeard's ship for their next clue, which is for them to take a little wobbly boat to shore...to get to the Road Block.

Brooke & Robbie get into some trouble in their boat and they tip over. Michael & Scott whiz passed them in their boat.

Road Block: Worth It's Weight In Gold
Use a compass to locate a treasure chest buried in the sand, and it will contain their next clue. Each team will have different coordinates.

Alli goes to what she thinks is an anchor, even though it was a bell. She didn't see an actual anchor anywhere.

And again, Tim is whining. His sad digging skills are pathetic. He said his compass is broke, and then yells "Medic!" What?! Oh my goodness!

Jim is the first to get his treasure chest.

The groups that were on the 2nd flight to the Virgin Islands are now catching up. Shelley has to tell Robbie how to use the compass. And then there's Lisa who thinks the sun sets in the East and rises in the West.

Somehow Tim manages to find his chest...I thought maybe he would just give up. Wishful thinking.

Robbie finds his before Shelley...I guess that's why you don't offer assistance.

Dennis finally realizes he was going the right way, and immediately finds his chest.

Shelley screams like a banshee when she found her chest.

I'm getting a little worried for Keith & Whitney. Come on Keith! It's starting to get dark...you're not going to find it that way! Keith is like totally ready to give up and they show the location  is just feet away!!! Seriously, you're going to give up! So, now they have to convince the others to also take the penalty and then try to race it out. Wow. Lisa & Michelle were all in because they had no clue what they were doing. Michael & Scott also agree to take the 4 hour penalty.

Keith & Whitney are fist into the cabs. Michael & Scott were beaten by the girls once and they weren't going to let that happen again, so they pushed the girls out of a cab.

Pitstop #1:
1. Misti & Jim -- they earn the Save
2. Tim & Te Jay
3. Kim & Alli
4. Brooke & Robbie
5. Adam & Bethany
6. Amy & Maya
7. Dennis & Isabelle
8. Shelley & Nici
9. Michael & Scott
10. Keith & Whitney
11. Lisa & Michelle -- eliminated

That was a close one! Lisa & Michelle were just feet behind the last 2 teams.

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Amazing Race Season 25: Cast and Season Preview

Original Post: 6/6/14
UPDATE: 8/28/14

This is a first for just about any reality show: CBS released the cast of Season 25 of the Amazing Race...the day the race began! Normally, we have to wait until a couple weeks before the show will air to find out who is in the cast. Apparently, since they started the race in the very public place of Time Square, they decided they might as well share officially who will be running the race.

We are also in for some more changes coming up this fall. The show will now be airing at 8:00 on Friday instead of it's normal Sunday timeslot. I, for one, am ECSTATIC with this change! Why? Oh, let me the number of weeks that either football, or basketball or golf, or racing has run long. And by it running long, it then forces the always dull 60 Minutes late, and then The Amazing Race is therefore late. Good luck trying to DVR it, unless you also record the show that follows, otherwise you might only get to see the first half of the show. The start time is always unpredictable, so I end up having to check Facebook to find out what time it is actually going to start...gotta love those 8:37 start times. Yeah, that makes sense. This monstrosity has been happening for years, and it's so annoying! I can probably count on 1 hand the number of times the show actually started at 8:00. Sorry, rant over.

So, make sure you plan ahead and plan to catch it on Fridays instead of on Sundays.

What else can we expect from Season 25? Well, there's a rumored change in the format that will sound familiar to Survivor fans. How does immunity sound? It looks like the team who arrives to the mat first on the first leg, will win immunity! They will be able to use their immunity until there are 9 teams left. I think I like this idea better than the random non-elimination rounds. The non-elimination rounds often benefit people who didn't really earn the right to be saved. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

The cast for Season 25 features some familiar faces. No, they haven't run the race before, but you should recognize at least 1 person, if not all 3. One person being surfer Bethany Hamilton. You'll remember that she survived a shark attack that left her with the loss of her arm. Her story was retold in the movie Soul Surfer. She is running the race with her husband, a fellow surfer. The other 2 come from the world of Survivor. No, sadly, it's not Boston Rob and Amber again. This time it's another couple: Keith Tollefson and Whitney Duncan. This pair appeared on Season 23: South Pacific. They finished 11th and 9th, respectively. While on the show, a romance sparked, and it actually continued after the game ended. Unfortunately, at the time, Whitney was married. She ended up divorcing her husband and she is now engaged to Keith.

Season 25 Cast:

		Adam Dirks & Bethany Hamilton Relationship: Married Surfers Team Nickname Hashtag: #SoulSurfers From: Princeville, HI Adam Age: 26 Occupation: Professional husband; Full-time support Bethany Age: 24 Occupation: Pro Surfer and Motivational Speaker Claim to Fame: Lost her arm in a shark attack; the movie Soul Surfer was based on this event
		Keith Tollefson & Whitney Duncan Relationship: Engaged Team Nickname Hashtag: #TeamNashville From: Nashville, TN Keith Age: 29 Occupation: Energy Advisor Claim to Fame: Competed on Survivor: South Pacific (Season 23) Whitney Age: 29 Occupation: Singer/Songwriter Claim to Fame: Claim to Fame: Competed on Survivor: South Pacific (Season 23); Placed 5th on Nashville Star (Season 5)
		Kym Perfetto & Alli Forsythe Relationship: Friends Team Nickname Hashtag: #TheCyclists From: Brooklyn, NY Kym Age: 30 Occupation: Master Instructor for Soulcycle/Boss of YouTube channel "KymNonStop" Alli Age: 26 Occupation: Personal Trainer
		Maya Warren & Amy DeJong Relationship: Lab Mates and Friends Team Nickname Hashtag: #SweetScientists From: Madison, WI Maya Age: 29 Occupation: Ph.D. Student (Food Science) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Amy Age: 24 Occupation: Ph.D. Student (Food Science) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison
		Lisa Thomson & Michelle Thomson Relationship: Sisters Team Nickname Hashtag: #Miami Realtors From: Miami Beach, FL Lisa Age: 28 Occupation: Real Estate Agent Michelle Age: 22 Occupation: Real Estate Agent
		Michael Ward & Scott Strazzullo Relationship: Friends and Fellow Firefighters Team Nickname Hashtag: #TheFirefighters From: Boston, MA Michael Age: 40 Occupation: Firefighter/EMT Scott Age: 39 Occupation: Firefighter/Paramedic/Haz-mat Tech
		Brooke Adams & Robbie Strauss Relationship: Dating Team Nickname Hashtag: #TheWrestlers From: Houston, TX; Woodbridge, NJ Brooke Age: 29 Occupation: Professional Wrestler Robbie Age: 30 Occupation: Professional Wrestler
		Tim Tsao & Te Jay McGrath Relationship: Dating Team Nickname Hashtag: #CollegeSweethearts From: South Pasadena, CA Tim Age: 23 Occupation: Flight Attendant Te Jay Age: 24 Occupation: Server/Female Impersonator
		Dennis Hour & Isabelle Du Relationship: Dating Team Nickname Hashtag: #TheDatingCouple From: Tustin, CA Dennis Age: 30 Occupation: Financial Accountant Isabelle Age: 28 Occupation: Model
		Misti Raman & Jim Raman Relationship: Married Team Nickname Hashtag: #TheDentists From: Columbia, SC Misti Age: 36 Occupation: Cosmetic Dentist Jim Age: 37 Occupation: Orthodontist
		Shelley Porter & Nici Porter Relationship: Mother/Daughter Team Nickname Hashtag: #MomDaughter From: Detroit, MI Shelley Age: 42 Occupation: Flight Attendant Nici Age: 24 Occupation: Flight Attendant

Photos and info from CBS.com

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Amazing Race, Ep. 24.12: Finale

It's all come down to this: one final leg to determine the winner of Season 24 All-Stars! Phil has previewed that we're in for a VERY close final trip to the mat...so who's it gonna be?

Leg 12: Liverpool, England -> Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Dave & Connor lead off the final leg.

Brendon & Rachel are psyched to be going to Rachel's hometown...Dave & Connor are not. Go #TeamBrenchel!

All 3 teams made the same flight to Las Vegas. The Country Girls accuse Rachel of pushing them and cutting in line to get to the vehicles.

Their drivers take them out in the middle of nowhere and tell them to start digging. Dave & Connor accuse Brendon & Rachel of digging dirt and throwing it at them and in their hole. Dave & Connor are the first to find a box, and it says that it is property of David Copperfield. Brendon & Rachel find theirs next. The boxes said to open and return to David Copperfield. None of the teams could open it, except Rachel, who climbed into the backseat and got a tire iron for Brendon to pry it open with. Inside were a bunch of keys.

Roadblock
At the next clue, they will be put in a box and chained, and they have to use one of the keys to free themselves.

Dave couldn't get his box open to get to the keys, but after throwing the box on the ground several times, it finally came open. I don't think the Country Girls are going to get it that easy. Yep...they have no clue how to get into the box.

Connor, Rachel and Jen are the ones inside the boxes trying to get out. There's a lot of keys to choose from.

Connor is the first to find the right key, and he did it pretty quickly. Once freed, he had to open another lock at the top, meanwhile...the box is being set on fire and the box is lifted up in the air. He gives the signal for Dave to flip the switch to release him from the box, and POOF! The box disappears in a cloud of fire and smoke. Whoa! So cool! But wait...where's Connor?! Then all of a sudden, he comes running up behind Dave, wearing a firefighter costume and scares the crap out of him.

Rachel's now free and working on the next lock. Brendon flips the switch, and POOF!

In last place, Jen is released not far behind the others.

Route Info

Amazing Race, Ep. 24.11

Leg 11: Seville, Spain -> Liverpool, Englad
Dave & Connor lead it off.

Once in Liverpool, they have to go to a soccer stadium where they have to try to score 2 goals each against a professional goalie.

Leo & Jamal arrive first. They took a detour because of an accident on the other freeway. Dave & Connor and Brendon & Rachel were already stuck in the traffic and couldn't take another route. They were so excited to play some soccer. They kissed the grass and were dancing around, having so much fun. Jamal's leg injury was really hindering his kicking. They ended up getting their 4 goals before anyone else arrived.

Caroline & Jennifer arrive next, followed closely by Brendon & Rachel. Dave & Connor were having trouble finding the stadium.

The poor girls were really struggling and could barely kick the ball. Meanwhile, Brendon & Rachel had their goalie completely baffled because he didn't move at all for any of the balls they kicked! They passed up girls and are moving on.

Dave & Connor finally arrive, and Dave struggles getting the ball past the goalie. The girls finally finish, and Dave & Connor are the last ones there. Even Connor was struggling, which is a rare thing.

Next, the teams are off to Wales. Leo & Jamal and Brendon & Rachel end up at the same gas station asking for directions. The girls think they are doing good with directions and don't stop. Afghanimals make a wrong turn while the Brenchels appear to have took the right exit. They find the clue box after the girls.

Road Block: Poetry in Motion

Amazing Race, Ep. 24.10

Leg 10: Chiasso, Switzerland -> Seville, Spain
Dave & Connor lead it off

I love that the Cowboys are saying that they want to stay out of the drama between Dave & Connor and Brendon & Rachel. Hopefully, they won't use the U-Turn on them. Luckily, Dave & Connor already used theirs and can't do another one.

The Cowboys missed the exit for the airport, so they are going to be a little behind. Dave & Connor and Leo & Jamal make the first flight, while the rest of the teams have to take a later flight. They make it to the next stop, but it doesn't open until the morning, so it looks like the later flight will have time to catch up.

Road Block: Barbers of Seville
One team member will have to shave a balloon in 60 seconds without popping it.

Dave and Leo were having fun singing the "Barber of Seville" song while Connor and Jamal were shaving. After a couple tries, Connor got it and they left in first place...and he had never used a straight razor before.

Oh no! Brendon & Rachel's cab driver doesn't know where he's going and he doesn't have the internet. All the other teams are at the Roadblock, and Brenchel is in last place. This isn't looking good.

Rachel, Jet and Jennifer were neck and neck, and Rachel (who arrived last) beat both of them! Jet is the last to get it right.

Detour: Spanish Steps or  Running of the Bulls

Amazing Race, Ep. 24.9

Leg 9: Rome Italy -> Chiasso, Switzerland
Brendon & Rachel lead it off.

Dave & Connor are STILL bitter for Brendon & Rachel U-turning them. Caroline & Jennifer can't understand why they didn't U-turn the cowboys instead.

Brendon & Rachel make it to the train station. There are only a few minutes left until its departure. Leo & Jamal, Caroline & Jennifer, and Dave & Connor arrive and just barely make it on the train as it's pulling away. Unfortunately the 2nd place team, Jet & Cord, got a little lost, and they are now in last place. Boo!

On the train all of the teams conspire to get out Brendon & Rachel. That's so mean! It's a game people, grow up! Then they start making fun of them. Again, that's just mean. I'm so disappointed in the childish behavior of those teams. I thought they were better than that. Their new name is the "Accidental Alliance". This is because they just kind of fell into an alliance by all hating Brenchel.

The teams make it to the William Tell statue, and it says to wait for sunrise to see William Tell. This means that all of the teams are together again.

The teams take off for the next destination. Brendon & Rachel were in the lead, but made a wrong turn. Leo & Jamal laughed as they made the right turn and found the right bridge, because of their built-in GPS. No!!! All the rest of the teams chose the right bridge, and not Brendon & Rachel are in last.

Route Info: Rockstar Rehab