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The Place Around You And Me, Jakarta

Making my Jakarta debut ride as part of Sim Works, I invited the Sorride community to hang out, cruising urban paths with friends.

One of the things I love most about cycling is how it rekindles friendships while opening the door for new ones. I still remember being introduced to Icha years ago when she visited Bandung for a group ride. At the time, she came with Mas Boy, one of the people behind Sorride, and what started as a brief introduction eventually turned into a friendship that stayed somewhere in the background, waiting for the right moment to resurface.

Sorride is a Jakarta-based cycling community built around a simple idea: riding at a pace that leaves room for conversations. They're about spending time together, discovering familiar streets from a different perspective, and making cycling feel easy for everyone.

After a few conversations with Icha, my husband and I finally made good on a plan we'd been talking about for a while: riding together in Jakarta.

So we put together an invitation:

The ride was open to everyone and I didn't really know what to expect. What surprised me most was how many people showed up. Different bikes, different backgrounds, different reasons for riding—but somehow everyone arrived with the same energy.

The ride itself felt secondary. The real highlight was everything happening around it: Meeting  with strangers, chitchat at stoplights, shared tables over coffee, and how naturally bonds form when people gather around a common interest.

There is something special about seeing a city through the people who live in it. Jakarta felt softer that morning. Less like a destination and more like a collection of small encounters.

Looking back, that’s what The Place Around You And Me is really about. It’s the place we passed through—whether for a fleeting second or a little longer. The place where conversations began, and where memories ultimately took root. Between you and me.

Until the next city!

The ongoing community ride series will be continue across Indonesia—creating opportunities to connect, explore, and share slow moments on two wheels.

Neighborhood Friends:

Ayu Monika / Photographer

Rori Syarif / Producer

Fildzah Byani F / Employee

Agung Saputro / Designer

Boy Bayu Anggara / Designer

Prass / Musician

Robbyansyah / Music Marketing Consultant

Rukmunal Hakim / Artists / Illustrator

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MM: Hi Al, how are you doing? AL: Honestly, I figured I haven’t been using enough of my free will so I decided to dive deeper into the art world. Had the opportunity to do an art residency as well as internship at Devfto Printmaking Institute. Life’s been sweet! I just do whatever feels good. If it feels good, do it right.

MM: Did it ever feel like you made it? AL: Not quite, I’ve never given myself the luxury of being easily satisfied with achievements. Being hungry, broke and trusting is a luxury. In that case, I searched for a way to keep creating without any restrictions.   MM: Have you ever had something really bad where you had to stop? AL: Not necessarily, juggling music, art, and cycling is a lot but I just take occasional breaks in between. Proceeding and not quitting is an homage to the personal struggle of keeping my voice alive even when faced with the most difficult challenges.  

MM: What track id do you have on repeat on the DJ set? AL: I don't normally repeat my set but recently I’ve been messing with “Frontin” and “Keep Up” by Danilo Plessow. What an insane groove!

Curated by Bandung-based DJ Aljun from Pollen jockeys and Sweet Spot Records. This series grew out of time riding speedy gravel bike.

LISTEN HERE ↓

Credits:

Mixtape: Aljiun Graphic: Hisyam Imtiyaz Photo by Jotaro

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PEOPLE ON THE ROAD Vol.4 with Unchale

How Cycling Shape the Way We See the World

With her iconic short hair, Unchale is the face behind UNCHALE Store. Her designs are playful, light, and full of personality, often reflecting ideas of freedom and staying true to yourself. Through her posters, she shares her thoughts and feelings in an honest way while remaining closely connected to Bangkok, the city she calls home.

Photo by Be Siwat

In this People On The Road series, we connected with her through social media to talk about the relationship between cycling and design — whether riding influences the way she creates, or if her design mindset shapes the way she rides. We also spoke about her dreams and the simple things that make her happy. Unchale’s spirit is sweet and magnetic, and through everything she does, she hopes to spread joy and happiness to everyone she connects with.

If you had to describe yourself without talking about work, what would you say?

Hello, I’m a young woman with short hair and a warm smile. I value honesty, simplicity, and staying close to nature.

What changes in you after a ride?

I’ve discovered small things about myself. I love looking at the sky and sunlight; I feel that nature gives a sense of freedom. Every time I go cycling and see the ever-changing, beautiful scenery, it lifts my spirits. Often, I take the positive feelings from cycling, draw on that energy, and put it into my work.

When you’re riding, do you find yourself noticing things differently? Colors, textures, people, and little details on the street?

Sure.. Sure.. People, feelings, and the environment in Thailand inspire my work a lot. When I’m cycling, I become more aware of small details — the colors of the streets, the energy of the people, and the atmosphere around me.

Photo by Be Siwat

Cycling in Thailand, especially in the city, requires good skills and awareness, just like riding in other countries. That experience makes me more sensitive to my surroundings, and it naturally influences my creative process.

Did cycling influence the way you approach design, or did design influence the way you ride?

Of course! I think cycling always saves my life, that's true! When I go cycling and see the view around me, I feel relaxed and happy. After riding, I often use those good feelings as ideas for my drawings. I share these feelings with others through my artwork and characters.

Has the road ever surprised you?

For cycling on the road with a car or a motorcycle sometimes I meet very kind people, even strangers. But sometimes I also meet people who are not kind to cyclists. These experiences teach me not only how to ride better, but also how to control my emotions.

How has cycling shaped the way you see the world?

Cycling has shaped the way I see the world by teaching me that life is full of ups and downs, just like the road. Sometimes the ride is smooth, and sometimes it is challenging, but every journey makes me stronger and more patient.

Through cycling, I’ve learned to enjoy the process. It has also inspired my creativity and influenced my designs for UNCHALE Store. Cycling gives me positive energy, and that energy is something I want to share with others through my work.

I’m grateful for everyone who supports UNCHALE Store and believes in the journey with me.

Credits Interview: Morend Maharani

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MM: Hi Toby, how’s life lately? How’s Melbourne been treating you?

Toby: Great! I guess..

MM: What’s your favorite sound effect?

Toby: Subtracting is the most handy effect, I mean, I use filters all the time. Another one I love is probably the Dub Echo hahahah..

MM: Name a track you always put on the DJ set?

Toby: I think this always changes, I would always play tracks that I like, that’s the important thing in DJ-ing for me. The tracks I played in the mixtape are all songs that I often turn on my sets. I feel that Jorg Kuning’s releases are sounds I truly connect with, and another shoutout is definitely a classic track like Tam Cooper’s Galactica (Jimpster Remix), a really useful track to have!

MM: How to get in the mood?

Toby: I get up and bike to work almost every day, it’s always tricky to start. But it being my primary and most convenient way to commute, it crosses out not getting on my bike on most days. Plus riding my bike to work helps me wake up before my shift, especially on morning shifts as a barista.

If I’m not working, I feel the urge to just ride around somewhere, with or without other cyclist friends. The bike lanes are amazing, it’s a privilege, plus it helps clear our minds just pushing around town listening to good music :)

MM: Post-night out ritual — what are you eating?

Toby: hmm.. I think I would have to go with noodles(?) Since me and my friends run a party called Noodle that would probably be the solid answer. There are a lot of amazing food here in melbourne, if im being honest eating out is so expensive, I could just cook some instant noodles at home, indomie to be specific.. whoops.

MM: A place you somehow end up at every weekend?

Toby: I don’t really go out a lot, but on nice summer days I would probably go to the park, throw frisbees, and drink a couple of beers with friends. Another good option is the beach, that’s the perk of living an hour away from the beach I guess.

Curated by Melbourne-based DJ Toby from sweet spot records. This series grew out of time spent riding fixies through the city. Tracks are chosen for rhythm, motion, and those small moments in between—the turns, the lights, the stretches where everything else falls away.

LISTEN HERE ↓

Credits:

Mixtape by Toby

Graphic: Hisyam Imtiyaz

Photography: Azriel Daneswara

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PEOPLE ON THE ROAD Vol.3 with Gabby Jimenez

How Cycling Shape the Way We See the World

Photo by Rocket Buenaventura

Cycling has always been fun—ever since Gabby Jimenez was a kid. Riding since elementary school, she grew up in Laguna, south of Manila, and still carries that joy every time she climbs on a bike.

In 2025, Gabby conquered Bentang Jawa. “The experience broke so many internal barriers. It showed me exactly how far I’ve come, but also how much further I can go to become the stronger, more efficient cyclist I aspire to be.”

Off the bike, Gabby works as a UI/UX designer at a local agency, while also doing photography and writing on the side — on the bike, she mainly focuses on gravel and ultra-distance/Audax riding. Cycling is more than just a sport or a hobby. It has made her world feel both small and big at the same time. In our conversation for People on the Road, she opens up about how riding has shaped the way she sees the world.

How did you start with your bike?

I’ve been riding since elementary school, but I only picked it up again seriously in 2022 as pandemic restrictions eased. I was based in Laguna (south of Manila) with my family then, and I simply wanted a way to get around and meet new friends. Since then, my rides have catapulted into longer distances and more technical terrain.

Where do you ride the most? 

Honestly, I’m all over the place. Living in the heart of the city, my rides usually split in two directions: heading east to Rizal or south to Cavite for long climbs and trail sessions. Because my riding is so varied, I’ve curated a "three-bike stable" squeezed into my tiny living space—each serving a very specific purpose.

For the daily grind, I use my Voodoo Erzuli single-speed. I built it up from spare parts specifically for city commutes; the flatbar setup offers a completely different, nimble feel compared to my dropbar bikes.

When I want something with soul, I turn to my Blocks Electro from Built Cycles. The frame was handcrafted by the legendary Ave Maldea using Columbus Life tubing. With its track-inspired geometry, it has a life of its own on the road; and It’s incredibly versatile—I’ve taken it everywhere from gravel races to multi-day mountain expeditions.

Finally, my latest addition is the Vielo V+1 from Sabak Cycles. As my first carbon bike, it was my trusted companion for Bentang Jawa. While it’s technically a gravel bike, I find myself reaching for it most on long climbs; there’s a stability in its geometry that makes the toughest ascents feel remarkably controlled.

Photo by Rocket Buenaventura

Why do you ride?

My "why" has evolved over the years. It began as a social outlet and a means of mobility after the isolation of the pandemic. Eventually, it became my primary way to commute and meet new people. Currently, it’s a way to discover my physical limits and improve, while still maintaining that sense of freedom—being able to reach places I wouldn’t even attempt to visit via other modes of transport.

Prior to cycling, I fenced competitively in university, so training routines and the thrill of competition are familiar to me (though I still get those start-line jitters!).

Tell us about one memorable moment from your cycling journey:

It would have to be finishing Bentang Jawa this year, 2025. It felt like the culmination of my growth over the last three years—a synthesis of everything I’ve learned about training, nutrition, and lessons from various riding groups. It even tested the depths of my mental toughness. The experience broke so many internal barriers. It showed me exactly how far I’ve come, but also how much further I can go to become the stronger, more efficient cyclist I aspire to be.

And lastly, how cycling shapes the way you see the world?

If not for cycling, I would never have met certain friends or enriched my existing relationships. It is such a social activity, yet I deeply appreciate the solitude of spending a whole day alone on the road. Cycling has made my world feel both small and big at the same time. My social circles constantly intersect through the community, but the bike has also shown me how much more there is to see. Through two wheels, the rest of the world feels more within reach than ever.

Photo by Rocket Buenaventura

Credits Interview: Morend Maharani

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PEOPLE ON THE ROAD Vol.2 with Satomi Yamada

How Cycling Shape the Way We See the World

Photo by Sorachi Sakai (@s_r_c.715)

Somewhere between Tokyo and the horizon, Satomi is always moving. By day, she edits magazines and writes stories. By the rest of the year, she’s on a bike—riding through mountains, alleys, and empty roads, scribbling her experiences along the way.

Ask her why she rides, and she’ll shrug. “I don’t know. It just feels good.”

But cycling is more than feeling good—it’s a lens for the world, a way of noticing what slips by, a way of being fully alive. For this edition of People on the Road, Satomi reflects on her journey—from getting started to discovering how cycling has shaped the way she sees the world.

How did you start with your bike?  

It all started from a really unexpected trigger.

The bicycle I had for getting around town had become rusty and worn out after about ten years, so I decided to replace it. When I got a slightly better bike and tried riding it, I was instantly captivated by the feeling of gliding effortlessly with each pedal stroke.

Since then, I’ve used my bicycle for all my travel around Tokyo. While train rides had always felt like moving from point to point, riding a bicycle gave me the freedom to choose any route I wanted, turning everyday life itself into a journey. 

I’ve always loved traveling and had backpacked around the world since my student days, but through cycling, I realised I could experience that same sense of adventure even in my daily life.

Then one day, I thought, “How far could I go if I traveled the world by bicycle?” Driven by that curiosity, I decided to set out on a journey to cycle around the world.

Where do you ride the most?  

So far, I’ve travelled by bicycle to places such as Hokkaido, New Zealand, Alaska, Scotland, and Kyrgyzstan.

I ride wherever I can, continuing to explore parts of the world I haven’t yet seen by bike. And through those journeys, I hope to discover stories that only I can arrive at.

Why do you ride?

I didn’t know the remote mountains of Alaska or the roads of the Silk Road until I rode there. Even in my own neighborhood, there are still alleys I’ve never explored, full of unknown places.

Bicycling teaches me so many things I didn’t know and even familiar places reveal new faces..

And the more I learn, the more I realise just how much there is in the world that I still don’t know.  That’s why I keep riding, every single day.

Tell us about one memorable moment from your cycling journey:

One of the most memorable moments came when I rode for days deep in the mountains of Alaska, without meeting a single person and far beyond any cell signal. I felt true solitude. For a moment, it seemed as if I were the only person left in the world.

But I quickly realised that wasn’t true. Even in a place completely cut off from society, the world keeps turning, exactly as it always has. What I was experiencing was simply a state in which no one was aware that I existed. It felt the same as being dead — not in a dark way, but in a strangely clear one.

In that space, every decision I made came straight from my innermost self, free from anyone else’s eyes. And in that moment, for the first time in my life, I felt truly free.

Photo by Sorachi Sakai (@s_r_c.715)

And lastly, how cycling shapes the way you see the world?

Riding a bicycle has only strengthened my desire to explore the world, reshaping both my work and my everyday life. I set out to ride across the globe, and in order to share those experiences in words, I reshaped my entire way of living.

Bicycling doesn’t just reveal unknown worlds—it teaches me how to live fully, on my own terms. And along the way, it brings countless new encounters, each one opening another door to the world.

Credits Interview: Morend Maharani

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WHAT I WEAR on My Bike Days

A helmet. Long sleeves. Loose pants. A bag that holds only what’s necessary. A small, repeatable uniform. Built for moving through the neighborhood, pausing for coffee, stretching the afternoon. Less about performance. More about routine.

The Pieces

Helmet

Long-sleeve top

Loose pants

Backpack

Glasses

Everyday shoes

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Nothing styled. Nothing overstated.

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PEOPLE ON THE ROAD Vol.1

How Cycling Shape the Way We See the World

Get to know me City: Bandung

Intro: I’m Morend — a model and visual creative. And yes, I love donuts.

Where I ride:

I ride through narrow alleys and quiet streets, stopping at cafes for matcha or coffee on my way to the office. Bandung feels different on a bike — familiar streets suddenly feel fresh.

Why I ride:

Traffic is heavy, so I ride. It’s not just faster — it gives me space to think, to move, and to notice things I might otherwise miss.

One memorable moment:

Riding through Hakone and Tokyo left a lasting impression — it was my first time traveling with a bike, and everything felt new, exciting, and a little unpredictable. Moving slowly through the cities gave me a new sense of connection — every street, every corner felt more alive, closer to me.

I remember stopping at a tiny cafe that was actually the owner’s home. It was just me and the man who ran it. In that quiet corner of the city, it felt like coming home — I could pause wherever I wanted, without a schedule, without a rush. Thats why I ride.

How cycling shapes the way I see the city?

Ordinary errands turn into small adventures. The textures, the sounds, the light — everything feels sharper. The city isn’t just somewhere to pass through. It’s something I move with.

Cycling makes me believe I can go farther, that I can wander streets and neighborhoods I might otherwise miss. It lets me pause, explore, and notice the small things that usually slip by. And in doing so, it makes me dream — about new routes, new cities, and the endless possibilities that await on two wheels. Every ride reminds me that the city, and the world, is full of quiet discoveries waiting to be found.

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A summer day in Nikko

Last July, I decided to escape Tokyo for a day and head to Nikko, a town famous for its nature, shrines, and calm atmosphere. I started from Tokyo Station and after about five hours of train rides and transfers, I finally arrived at Nikko Station.

From the station, I hopped on a local bus heading to Lake Nikko. To my surprise, the ride was free, and the bus slowly carried me through quiet streets, small houses, and hints of mountains in the distance. As I looked out the window, I could already feel the difference—Tokyo’s energy had been replaced by a slower, softer rhythm.

Nikko greeted me with stillness. It felt like stepping into an old town—peaceful streets, traditional shops, and the scent of wood and food lingering in the air. I wandered around and found many small craftsmen’s stores selling souvenirs, each piece carefully made, reflecting Nikko’s character.

When I got hungry, I tried the local specialties: grilled fish and a bowl of soba noodles. Both were simple but deeply satisfying, especially in the cool summer air. After eating, I set off on a short hike. The path was surrounded by greenery, the sound of water flowing nearby, and only a handful of people crossing my way.

Though it was just a one-day trip, Nikko left me with a sense of calm I didn’t expect. It wasn’t crowded or flashy—it was quiet, authentic, and full of small details that made the journey memorable. Sometimes, all you need is one day in a place like Nikko to feel refreshed.

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BOOKS.

In Quiet Moments, We Find Pages Some nights feel longer than others. You lie still, not quite asleep, not fully awake — only aware that your thoughts are louder than they should be. That’s when I reach for books. Not to escape, but to remember that somewhere out there, someone once felt exactly like this — and they wrote it down.

Here are a few books that found me when I needed them most. Maybe they'll find you too. When you're tired. Or a little lost. Or just needing a reason to slow down and breathe.

1. The Little Frog's Guide to Self-Care By Maybell Eequay Imagine if a frog had a diary full of wisdom on how to be kinder to yourself — that's this book. It’s impossibly cute and gently profound. Tiny affirmations wrapped in watercolor illustrations, it reminds you that rest is not a reward. It’s a must.

For: Burnt-out souls who need a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be hard.

2. Maneki Neko By Nobuo Suzuki A quiet Japanese novel that feels like warm tea on a rainy morning. It's tender, thoughtful, and laced with a bit of that folkloric charm that makes you believe in magic again — or at least in the kindness of small gestures.

For: Lovers of Murakami, Studio Ghibli, and cat-shaped luck.

3. Ask This Book a Question By Vicki Tan Not really a book, more like a pocket oracle. You don’t read it linearly — you flip it open when you’re stuck, when you don’t know what to do next. And somehow, it always answers like a friend who knows the truth but won’t say it harshly.

For: The indecisive dreamer and journal hoarder.

4. This Is Not a Cookbook By Grace Tahir It's not about recipes, at least not the edible kind. Grace cooks up thoughts, memories, philosophies. It’s a book about creation — in business, in life, in food — without ever becoming a lecture. Refreshingly honest and strangely delicious.

For: People who love to make, even if they don't quite know what yet.

5. If Cats Disappeared From the World By Genki Kawamura Bittersweet and existential in the way only Japanese fiction can be. A man makes a deal with the devil, and one by one, things disappear. A cat, a phone, a memory. A tender meditation on what truly matters when time is running out.

For: Anyone who’s ever grieved quietly and deeply loved loudly.

6. Milk and Honey By Rupi Kaur Still relevant. Still raw. Still beautiful. A collection of poetry that became a movement — about survival, femininity, softness, trauma, and growth. Sometimes, the simplest words strike deepest.

For: Those who underline lines and reread them like mantras.

7. The Creative Act: A Way of Being By Rick Rubin Not just for musicians. Not just for artists. This book is a permission slip to be. Part philosophy, part practice, all heart. Rubin invites you into creativity not as a job but as a way to live more fully.

For: The overthinkers who forgot they were born to create.

8. The Visual MBA By Jason Barron Who says business books can’t be fun? This one is visual, playful, and actually useful. Think of it as doodles with degrees — a crash course in business ideas minus the fluff.

For: Curious creatives who want to speak finance without losing their soul.

Let me know if you’ve read any of these — or what I should add to my stack next.

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Hi! a little playlist that keeps me company through tasks & tabs from my Spotify to your space ♡

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6 Days in Hong Kong

In January, I finally returned to Hong Kong after a long time maybe since 2018? I can’t even remember exactly. For me, Hong Kong is an aesthetic place. The color palette of the buildings, the vibe of the streets, it’s all so photogenic.

I stayed for 6 days and 5 nights, and January was the perfect time to visit: cool weather, light wind, around 12–18°C. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what I did:

Ate classic HK breakfasts at Australia Dairy Co. & Kam Wah Cafe

Rode the Peak Tram to see the view from Victoria Peak

Explored Yick Cheong Building, M+ Museum, and Temple Street Night Market

Unexpected surprise: Thai food in Hong Kong! Went to Samsen and it was insanely good. 10/10 would slurp again

Sipped coffee at % Arabica Kennedy and Halfway Coffee

Had amazing dinners at Yardbird

And yes, took the iconic Star Ferry ride at sunset

Getting around was easy with the MTR, tram, and Airport Express. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or family, Hong Kong is super walkable, safe, and inspiring for photography lovers.

Can’t wait to go back again—still so much to explore in this vibrant city. If you’re thinking of visiting Hong Kong, do it. You’ll leave with a full heart, full camera roll, and definitely a full stomach. 🌆✈️🍜

[timotaychalamet]

2046 (2004) dir. Wong Kar Wai

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Beginner-Friendly Camera with Film Filters & Stabilization

This is my camera "RICOH GR III DAIRY LIMITED EDITION". I've been using it for about three months now, and I really enjoy it! It's a pocket-sized camera, super easy to use — perfect for beginners like me :)

It has some fun features like negative and positive film filters, and it's way more affordable than a Leica :D Plus, it comes with Image Stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake, especially in low-light conditions.

picture by Ari my husband

picture by Gege my friend

If you're into street photography or traveling, I think this camera could be a great fit for you. Just one thing to consider — it doesn't come with a built-in flash, so you'd need to buy one separately.

If you're looking for a flash, here's my recommendation: FLASH Q20 II

I use this one myself. It's compact, fully manual, and has a built-in radio trigger — super handy and portable.

Thanks for reading! If you're just starting out or looking for a lightweight setup, definitely consider this kind of camera. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions or want more recommendations :) Happy shooting!

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Hello, Tumblr? Oh damn, it’s been a while since I’ve been on this platform! Okay okay, I promise to start sharing, writing, something here. #ytta

This is my first post— Should I introduce myself? Not really? Lol.