Haetam (Elesan.cc on Instagram) has been touring Lombok on his Kevin of Steel and filming his adventures for his project Wheels to Waves! Recently, winning the award for Best Cinematography/Editing from Bikepacking.com for his film Wheels to Waves: Lombok Island.
We caught up with him to tell us a bit more about his story...
What is Wheels to Waves?
Wheels to Waves is a band of adventure cyclists based in Indonesia initiated and led by me. On 4 September 2023, we embarked on a 600-kilometer journey through Lombok, Indonesia; a haven of clear beaches, spicy cuisine, laid-back living, and the formidable Mt. Rinjani. Spanning 9 days, the Wheels to Waves tour was a deliberate immersion into Lombok’s charm which was curated meticulously by yours truly as the island's native, since August 2020.
The film, aptly titled Wheels to Waves: Lombok Island, was released in March 2024 after a series of screenings in several cities in Indonesia and around the world.
Why Lombok is a great cycling destination:
With its reputation as the quieter neighbour of Bali, heaven of surfing spots, and the charming Rinjani volcano, Lombok is an amazing island to explore. But speaking of it as a cycling destination has always been tricky, considering that the standard of what constitutes “a great cycling destination” is varied. I don’t think Lombok fits the bill as a typical popular cycling destination like the ones in Europe. However, that might be the reason why Lombok is interesting.
Lombok has an incredible environmental diversity with such varied landscapes that exist so close together. Take the journey from Ekas to Sembalun, for instance: within just 70 kilometers, you transition from dry, dusty tracks by the sea, surrounded by tobacco fields, to lush, vibrant roads and climbs leading to the foothills of Mount Rinjani. Think of Lombok as a somewhat wild place where almost every route is unexplored, especially by bike, so the sense of adventure hangs in the air.
In a place like Lombok, I think it’s important to do extensive research beforehand and connect with local cyclists to ask them about the routes or recommendations for food, places to visit, etc.
Why did you set up Wheels to Waves?
Reflecting on it, Wheels to Waves was ignited purely by my passion and love for the island of Lombok. Then it developed to cater to my obsession with films along with the intriguing complexities behind the lens, and my long search for the best riding crew. That last bit was triggered by a combination of several factors:
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Lombok is such a great island and I wanted to share the experience with my friends.
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Gravel riding isn’t a popular genre in Lombok so finding riding partners was a bit tricky and hopefully that could change. Not just for me, but also for others.
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A personal challenge to lead such an exceptional group of cyclists who took stages of ultra cycling around the world.
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Perhaps an awareness that you don’t have to be an athlete who is involved in intense training sessions all the time to go on adventures. Just go ride your ride, you’ll get better, and soon enough, you’ll be confident enough to probably form your own riding crew and explore with them!
What bike have you been riding for your adventures?
During the Wheels to Waves tour, my Kevin of Steel was armoured with:
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1x11 Shimano GRX RX810
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DT Swiss GR1600 650b with Teravail Washburn tyres
- A full setup of Apidura bags
How was it winning this award?
I was surprised and truly honored. To be on the same page as Angus Morton, Emily Bei Cheng, Ryan Le Garrec, and so many great names whose works I’ve adored for years was an unexpected and humbling experience.
I also consider the award as a personal landmark. One of the main reasons is that the film itself was a showcase of my hometown, which is not known as a cycling destination. All the effort and the hard work led to something I’ll carry with me forever: a love letter to my hometown, now recognized on a global stage.
Thank you so much Haetam! Be sure to check out the film HERE and follow his socials at @elesan.cc
