Last season, Meghan & Cheyne were the winners. Well, at least it wasn’t the bickering brothers. 11 new teams make up The Amazing Race 16 cast, including Jeff & Jordan from Big Brother. I just hope they’re less boring a couple than they were in BB. And also Caite, the infamous Miss Teen South Carolina, who probably can’t even find the US on the map, let alone the other countries in the world she’s going to.
The first test is to get to the airport using public transportation, something that, unlike the rest of the world, America is not known for. Everybody here drives cars. Or more specifically gas guzzling SUV’s. Only the first three teams to arrive at the airport will receive a ticket on the first flight. Everyone else will be leaving almost an hour later.
The first destination is Santiago, Chile.
One group goes to the bus stop, while another group heads to the train station. Among the train station group, some get on right away, while others will have to wait 20 minutes for the next one. Those people obviously are on the last plane. Now it’s just a question of whether the bus is faster than the train.
Steve & Allie and Joe & Heidi are from California, so I’m going to assume they know what they’re doing. Also on the train with them are Dan & Jordan and Brent & Caite. Then again, Carol & Brandy are from LA. On the bus with them are Monique & Shawne, Dana & Adrian, and Jeff & Jordan.
In either case, there are three spots for four couples. The bus group arrives first. Jordan asks for tickets to China. Really now? She’s not alone, though. The cowboys think they need to get money for Brazil.
First flight (via Dallas): Monique & Shawne, Dana & Adrian, Jeff & Jordan
Second flight (via Miami): Carol & Brandy, Joe & Heidi, Steve & Allie, Dan & Jordan, Brent & Caite, Jody & Shanon, Louie & Michael, Jet & Cord
Maintenance has decided to delay the first flight due to mechanical problems. They’ve been rebooked on the Miami flight. Now everybody is even. Well, that was pointless.
After landing in Santiago, they will travel by bus 60 miles to Valparaiso, known as the San Francisco of South America due to its funiculars used to travel its steep hills.
Jet & Cord are thrown off the bus. The driver’s not about to take their Brazilian money. Those who kept their American money were better off. The three teams that arrived at the airport last continue to bring up the rear and get the last bus: Louie & Michael, Jet & Cord, and Jody & Shannon.
The road block is cable walking. Teams must balance 120 feet above the ground and walk a cable the length of a football field. They picked a windy day to do this.
Road block (in order of arrival): Caite, Jordan, Joe, Allie, Dan, Brandy, Shawne, Adrian, Louie, Shannon, Cord
Most people struggle with this task but ultimately make it across in one attempt, including Dan, who just drags himself across after falling. Adrian, however, falls, and has to start over from the beginning. He reluctantly gets going again, but not until they’re in last place.
After the road block, they’re told they may only travel by funicular. Rather than trying to figure out what that is, Brent & Caite walk down. Jeff & Jordan at least ask people.
It’s time to paint the town known for its multi-colored homes. Teams must carry paint up a hill to the house that matches their paint color. This task has the potential to send them around in circles throughout the neighborhood. Steve decides to just start painting a random house. Dan drops a brush. Assuming it will be a penalty, they search, but they don’t find it.
The pit stop for this leg of the race is Palacio Baburizza, a 90 year old chalet.
Caite & Brent are the second team to arrive, but not having followed their clue to take the funicular, they have incurred a 30 minute penalty.
Likewise, Dan & Jordan are the fourth team to arrive, but they have incurred a 15 minute penalty due to losing a paint brush. Really?
First: Jordan & Jeff (win a trip to Vancouver)
Second: Monique & Shawne
Third: Jet & Cord
Fourth: Steve & Allie
Fifth: Joe & Heidi
Sixth: Carol & Brandy
Seventh: Brent & Caite
Eighth: Dan & Jordan
Ninth: Louie & Michael
Tenth: Jody & Shannon
Eliminated: Dana & Adrian
Having fallen off the road block a second time, Adrian & Dana get a visit from Phil. All the other teams have finished, and they have been eliminated from the race.
Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of The Amazing Race 16 Episode 2 When the Cow Kicked Me in the Head (Chile), which airs Sunday at 8/7c on CBS.