One of the things I love most about the bicycle is the way it connects people and stories from all over the world. For me, telling authentic stories of people who truly live the bicycle is one of the most beautiful parts of this journey. Not athletes chasing performance, but individuals who ride because the bike is part of their everyday life, their freedom, and their way of seeing the world. Today I’m happy to share a conversation with Morend, a young cyclist and blogger from the beautiful Indonesia. Like me, she enjoys documenting her rides and the simple beauty of moving through the world at a slower pace. Her approach to cycling is something I deeply appreciate: urban rides, slow cycling, and the quiet joy of exploring the streets and landscapes by bike. So let’s start.
Hi Morend, it’s really nice to have you here today. Before we begin, could you tell us a little about yourself? Who is Morend, how old are you, and what do you do in your everyday life?
Hi Emanuele, first of all, thank you for inviting me. Still can’t believe how I can really feel connected to the world through this 🌎. I’m just an ordinary girl who started cycling almost by accident—from a small alley that somehow turned into a much bigger journey.
I’m 29 years old. I work as a model and a creative strategist at a studio in my hometown, Bandung. Currently, I’m continuing my studies at Parsons University in New York, focusing on Experiential Marketing.
Let’s start from the beginning: how did your love for bicycles begin? Do you remember the moment when cycling became something special for you?
I started cycling about a year ago, when I was having the terrible traffic in the city which almost everyday. What began as a practical solution slowly became a habit. I did commuting from home to the office, and eventually used it for many other daily activities. Along the way, I tried different types of bikes—from commuter bikes to performance road bikes. In search of something suited for me.
At first I rode alone, then with one or two friends. Eventually, I started a small cycling community in my city called “Cherry Cruisers,” which has now grown to more than 100 members. It feels like watching a tree grow—something that started small but slowly became stronger and more rooted.
In recent years we hear more and more about “slow cycling”… What does “slow cycling” mean to you personally?
Honestly, I was surprised by how fast everything grew. Noticing is that many people seemed to be competing over the bike or numbers, rather than simply enjoying the ride itself. At times it even felt overwhelming, because I didn’t realize how impactful it would become.
At the end of 2025, I traveled to Japan and brought my road bike with me. I rode from Tokyo to Hakone and back to Tokyo, passing through city streets, coastal roads, and the beautiful mountains around Hakone. Everything felt calm and slow—like my life suddenly shifted into a slower rhythm. I could stop wherever I wanted, without pressure or rushing.
That trip made me realize something important: what I was really looking for is the feeling of bike packing. A kind of cycling that feels relaxed and free—where you can wear whatever you want, ride at your own pace, and configure the bike to your personal needs. Without the pressure that performance cycling sometimes brings—jerseys, cleats, and all the rules I never fully understood.
For me, “slow cycling” is the way I can give my awareness on the path I ride. Where I can feel the world clearly, and find something which I didn’t notice before. Through this, I realized that the right cycling is the one that fits you—not other people’s expectations. And I truly agree, it isn’t always to be about competing. It’s about finding joy in the ride and yourself, even it was slow.
“For me, ‘slow cycling’ is the way I can give my awareness on the path I ride. Where I can feel the world clearly, and find something which I didn’t notice before.”
You live in Indonesia… What is the cycling culture like where you live?
In Indonesia, cycling culture has been growing rapidly. You can find cycling communities in almost every city—ranging from road bikers, MTB riders, commuters, ultra-cyclists, fixie riders, and more. What’s special is how connected everyone feels. Despite the different styles, there’s a sense that we’re all part of the same community.
For many of us the bicycle is not just transportation… When you ride, what do you notice that people moving faster might miss?
In every city, there are routes that almost feel like they’ve been passed down through generations. In my city, Bandung, we have routes like Warung Nangka, Warban, Lembang, and Lembang via Cijengkol—names that are very familiar among local cyclists. These routes offer a medium-level climb, rewarding you with beautiful views of the city from above. You can ride them during the day or at night, and along the way, there are plenty of good food and coffee. Whether you ride fast or slow, both feel equally enjoyable in their own way.
“For me, cycling is about connecting the dots—between life, nature, and people.”
Is there a route or place you love to travel over and over again?
It’s hard to say which is my favorite route, but my favorite is cycling through narrow alleys, what we call “gang alleys.” I love discovering new ways to reach a destination instead of choosing the main roads. It helps me avoid heavy traffic, which can sometimes be truly overwhelming.
But above all, cycling through these alleys allows me to have experiences I’d otherwise never have the opportunity to have. People greet you, children whizz by on their bikes, and a simple, genuine interaction occurs naturally. I enjoy exchanging smiles with people I’ve never met before. And, as a bonus, you often discover unexpected shortcuts along the way.
Do you usually ride alone or do you like to ride with friends?
I may not have been cycling for a long time, but even on this short journey, it has meant a lot to me. (Implied answer also integrated above: she started alone, then with friends and created a community.)
Your blog also shows that you enjoy documenting your rides. When did you start sharing your cycling stories online, and what inspired you to do it?
I started documenting my rides in mid-2025, as a way to share how cycling can shape the way you live. I want to encourage others to see how many positive experiences can come from something this simple. I’m also grateful for how cycling has connected me with people from different places. Traveling to new cities or even new countries, and meeting others through cycling, feels very genuine and meaningful. For me, cycling is about connecting the dots—between life, nature, and people.
Do you feel that cycling influences your creativity or the way you see everyday life?
Cycling has changed the way I see the world. Every route brings new inspiration, both creatively and personally. Sometimes, you notice small details—like words written on the road, or drawings on a post where you park your bike. These little things stay with you. Through what I share, I hope to pass on that feeling—while also listening to others and how cycling has shaped their own perspectives.
What kind of bicycles do you like the most? Do you have a favorite bike?
After a long search for the right bike, I’ve chosen an all-road touring bike—something versatile and reliable. Something that allow me to push it through paved road and gravel, also the mounting bolts on the frame that I can configure every needs for every kind of trip.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is just discovering the beauty of riding slowly?
Last, my advice is: Start with a small step, and enjoy every ride. The world is wide—go out and have fun exploring it 🚲✨.
