Report from TARCon 12

Yesterday, I went to New York to commiserate with fellow fans of The Amazing Race and to watch the season finale.

First, at Puglia’s Restaurant in Little Italy, the TARFlies lunch was held. This is a chance for members of the TARFlies message board to get together and meet the racers in a relaxed atmosphere. Because CBS did not fly in the final 3 teams this year and chose only to bring in the winning team, there was not the usual representation of racers, but Kynt & Vyxsin drove in from Kentucky at their own expense, and the lovely Jennifer from Shana & Jennifer made it to the restaurant. And when they arrived, there was the usual taking of pictures and shaking of hands.

I had the opportunity to talk to Jennifer for a few minutes and she couldn’t be nicer. She talked about the fatigue factor during the race and how the rush to the mat in each leg took its toll on her. I really didn’t speak to her long, but she took the time to answer everyone’s questions and was very genuine. I liked how frank and honest she was.

Kynt & Vyxsin were obviously the hit of the party. People flocked to them and Kynt gave out a pink double-sided card.
They also took the time to signed a picture for everyone in attendance to take home.

And when the lunch was over, Kynt reverted to his waiting skills and helped to clear the tables of dishes. I told him he didn’t have to do that, but he said he wanted to help. Very nice guy. And Vyxsin is definitely taller than I thought. Someone told me she’s over 6 feet and seeing her in person yesterday, she definitely is. They were so personable and outgoing and nice, that you would think you were eating lunch with regular people instead of someone who’s been on TV for the last three months.

The only drawback was listening to Jorge sing and while he’s not the most popular guy amongst those in attendance, he did his usual performance. His signature song is “Get Up and Shake Your Napkin” and judging from yesterday, not everyone was happy to see him. But here’s a performance and you can tell me whether you would think this is annoying.

Following the lunch, many of us gathered to get ready to go to Stitch for TARCon12 to watch the finale of the Amazing Race. It was a fun time. We all cheered when the show came on at 8 p.m. and also cheered when the final three teams were introduced. A big cheer went up for Kynt & Vyxsin, but a loud boo arose when Nathan & Jen were shown. When Phil came on the screen, he got a very loud cheer. Let’s face it, Phil’s the man. I won’t recap the episode here, I’ll give a full recap soon, but suffice to say when Nicolas forgot his bag at 6th Avenue Outfitters, everyone in the place screamed knowing that this could eliminate him and Gramps.

But there huge cheers when Ron & Christina got to the Roadblock first, but even louder cheers when Rachel was first to get the clue to get out. To be honest, that was the Best. Roadblock. Evah!

Finally, when TK & Rachel hit the mat first to win the race, the place got very loud. And when Ronald talked about how he had changed, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and when Donald finished the race becoming the oldest racer at 69 to complete the entire course, he was also cheered. To be honest, all three teams were well liked so there wasn’t a hint of dislike in Stitch.

But with the end of the race, it meant that the night was just beginning.

The Goths and Jennifer were the first racers to make it to Stitch for TARCon. Kynt & Vyxsin signed autographs and handed out their pink cards. They drew a large throng of people who wanted to meet them and have their taken with the Pink and Black.

Jennifer recognized me as she walked in and I was impressed especially after our brief conversation at Puglia’s. Very nice and we also talked briefly as I was leaving. You appreciate someone like this who will take the time to talk and be genuine. She’s also a fan of The Amazing Race as well so I’m liking her a lot. I do hope she comes to future TARCons.

Then, TK & Rachel made it to huge applause. They made it to the back of the room where the Goths were signing autographs.

And the racers from the current season that were in New York (there was also a West Coast Viewing Pa
rty as well) posed for pictures. Left to right, TK, Kynt, Vyxsin, Rachel and Jennifer.

At about 10:30 p.m., The Man opened the door and stepped foot into Stitch. Of course, the crowd parted and host Phil Keoghan walked into the restaurant to meet his fans and have his picture taken with women.

There was this crazy person who was ruining pictures all night. She insisted of having herself thrust into pictures with the racers. I also wanted a picture of the Goths at Stitch, but she made the pic about her instead of Kynt & Vyxsin, and I won’t give her any more attention than this.

Other racers to show, Jon Vito and Tom & Terry. I don’t know of any others who made it to TARCon. By the time I left, it was already a rather raucous caucus, but I mean that quite lovingly. Lots of fun and I plan to attend TARCon 13 if and when it occurs.