Mothertukking adventures in 3 Wheels

24 Feb 2012

"A tuk tuk is a magical mode of transport for normal people"; in this case slightly abnormal people for one must be slightly cooked to enter The Lanka Challenge, which has entrants embark on a madcap adventure in a tuk tuk across Sri Lanka. Think a sort of low-budget, but far more fun, Amazing Race (free from annoying, bickering Americans). 3 Wheels is a documentary of said race featuring Team Hallelujah Spaghetti, who entered the 2010 Lanka Challenge, came second last and documented the whole process.

The intrepid Hallelujah Spaghetti team consists of Durban-born filmo Steve McDonald and instigator, photographer, chef and Italian Nino Allegro. Art school graduate Steve filmed the entire experience and with the help and support from post-production house OPTIX Digital Pictures, and recording studio The Rooftop created the doci gem; 3 Wheels.

The Lanka Challenge sees teams from all over the world battle it out for 12 days on the characterful streets of Sri Lanka, driving 1400km all over the beautiful island in grand tuk tuk style. Along the way attempting extra challenges, which can include anything from learning Buddhist chants to eating fiery chillies. Not only is The Lanka Challenge a pure race for winning glory, but contestants also get to give back, through special projects with charities and eco-friendly initiatives.

It seems like this might just be the beginning for Team Hallelujah Spaghetti, which hopes to use the adventure and documentary as a springboard to explore the Adventure Travel genre further. I, for one, hope to see them tearing up the small screen with their entertaining and humourous travel adventure series sometime soon.