Sharon Springs couple to battle around world

PHOTOGRAPHER: Edward Munger Jr.

Sharon Springs’ already-famous TV stars Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge will be drawing the eyes of even more viewers Sept. 30 when the award-winning “The Amazing Race” airs on CBS.

The two will team up against 10 others in a quest for $2 million during the race described in promotional material as a “race around the world.”

Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge brought a spotlight on the tiny village in western Schoharie County when their reality show “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” aired on the Discovery Network.

In that program, to be aired on the Cooking Channel Sept. 20, the couple shares challenges they face after moving from New York City to operate a farm in Sharon Springs.

They raise a herd of goats and care for a llama on the farm and produce goat milk soaps, skin care products and other goods.

They market these and other local products at the “Beekman 1802 Mercantile,” a country store they opened up at 210 Main St. in the village.

Ridge, 38, a medical doctor, and Kilmer-Purcell, 43, an author, will be seen vying for money during the upcoming season of “The Amazing Race,” according to a release from CBS.

The 11 teams will visit nine countries on three continents while traveling more than 25,000 miles, according to CBS.

The teams work to reach different destinations during the competition that lasts about 25 days.

At each stop along the way, they compete in challenges before finding out where they have to go next.

Teams at the end the line face elimination.

It’s unclear how they fared while the race and filming was under way. Ridge on Friday said he was unable to comment on the program because of CBS guidelines.

Profiles of all 11 teams are posted in videos on the CBS website. Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge describe their history that entailed purchasing a Schoharie County farm in 2008.

In the video, Kilmer-Purcell says a million-dollar prize would go a long way for the couple that’s working to help re-invigorate the village of Sharon Springs.

“The stakes are pretty high for us,” Kilmer-Purcell says in the video.

People interested in learning more about Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge can find information on their website at www.beekman1802.com.