A massive cycling event featuring a famous expressway and spectacular islands

Q&A

【A：About the event】

Is this event a race?

It is not a race for rankings and time but an event to enjoy cycling.

Will there be any traffic control?

There will be traffic control as follows on expressways and ordinary roads.
○　Expressways：Nishi-seto Expressway (Setouchi Shimanami Expressway)/both lanes

■Sunday, October 27, 2024

■Imabari IC⇔Innoshima Kita IC　6:00 a.m.–12 noon (6 hours)
Innoshima Kita IC⇔Onomichi Ohashi Deiriguchi 6:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. (4 hours)
*No entry to Shin Onomichi Ohashi Bridge, Entry permitted to Onomichi Ohashi Bridge

○　Ordinary roads：Traffic will be restricted for a certain period of time on the roads surrounding Imabari IC and Mukaishima IC, the start venues, and Hirokoji (Imabari City), one of the finish venues, where many participants gather.

Traffic control on other ordinary roads is scheduled for a certain period for the operation of the event. The control zone and restricted times, etc will be determined ahead of time in consultation with relevant organizations.
The detail of the traffic control will be announced in late July on the event webpage and also in flyers that will be distributed to relevant facilities for greater recognition.

Are there alternative means of transportation during the traffic control on expressways?

There will be a temporary ferrying service between of Ehime and Hiroshima, and between the islands.
Details including the timetable and charges will be announced on the event webpage from around July, as well as in flyers notifying details of the traffic control.
Regular ships are also available as usual.
We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation regarding any inconvenience caused during the event.

【B：Event and Bicycle Class Rules】

Is there an age restriction?

Courses A to G are open to those aged 15 and over, and course H is open to those aged 9 and over.
Children in elementary school or junior high school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and their submitted documents need to be signed by a parent or guardian.

What types of bicycles are allowed in the event?

Sport-type bicycles, such as road race bicycles, mountain bicycles, hybrid bicycles and small tire diameter bicycles (16-24 inches in diameter) are allowed in Course A to G.
In Course H, in addition to the sport-type bicycles, city bicycles with multiple speeds and tandem bicycles can be used.
Electric bicycles which fit into the types exemplified above are allowed. However, we will not charge your battery on the day of the event. We recommend that you apply to the appropriate course to its travel range and to bring an extra battery on the day of the event.
Certain types of bicycles have been deemed ineligible for use during the event due to safety concerns. Please consult the Bicycle Class Rules of the Event Rules for more details.

Is there any preparation in advance?

All bicycles must be equipped with a headlight, tail light or light reflectors, and a bell and helmet. Please check in advance.
You must carry your health insurance card in case of emergency.
Participants are required to handle their own mechanical troubles. Please carry the necessary tools, an air pump and a spare inner tube. We also recommend having gloves, gear appropriate for the weather like rain gear and wind breakers, portable food and drinks, money and mobile phone.
As this event will take place on expressways, you may be asked to push your bicycle for a certain distance in some areas such as around the starting area. If you are considering wearing cycling shoes with cleats, it is recommended that you bring cleat covers or the like.

【C：Entry】

How can I apply?

Applications are accepted online (application dedicated website).
For premium entry (first-come-first-served basis) and general entry (lucky draw), please complete the procedures on the official tournament website.

Is it possible to apply as a family or group?

Up to 2 people can apply for Premium Entry. Additionally, up to 5 people can apply for general entry.

What is the difference between Premium Entry and General Entry?

① Premium Entry Participants will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. By paying an additional 25,000 yen to the participation fee, you will receive not only the right to event, but also a special cycling jersey with an original design and local specialties.
*Jerseys cannot be exchanged as they are made to order, so please check the size when ordering.
② For general entry, participants will be determined by lucky draw.

When can I find out the result of the lottery of General Entry?

The result of the lottery will be sent to all applicants (in case of group entry, the head of the group) via email in The beginning of July.

Is it possible to apply for multiple courses?

We do not accept duplicate applications. Make sure to apply for only one course per person (per group).
One person or one group can only apply for one course.
After your Premium Entry application is confirmed, you cannot apply for General Entry.
When the event organizer finds a case of duplicate application, your entry becomes void and your payment will not be refunded.
(In case of group entry, all group members will be disqualified even if the duplication is partial.）

How difficult is each course? Are there any points needing extra attention?

The difficulty increases in proportion to the distance.
The distance and time limit for each course is as follows.

Course	Expressway	Distance and time limit	Course Difficulty
A	about23km (Mukaishima IC – Omishima IC) 1 hour and 5 minutes	About 70km 5 hours	Intermediate Cyclist
B	about17km (Mukaishima IC – Administrative Road to Ikuchijima Minami IC) 55 minutes	About 55km 4 hours	Beginner & Intermediate Cyclist
C	about17km (Mukaishima IC – Administrative Road to Ikuchijima Minami IC) 55 minutes	About 70km 6 hours	Intermediate Cyclist
D	about43km (Imabari IC – Innoshima Minami IC) 2 hours 20 minutes	About 140km 7 hours 50 minutes	Advanced Cyclist ※long mileage Checkpoint time is tough
E	about43km (Imabari IC – Innoshima Minami IC) 2 hours 20 minutes	About 65km 4 hours 30 minutes	Intermediate Cyclist
F	about35km (Imabari IC – Ikuchijima Minami IC) 2 hours and 5 minutes	About 75km 6 hours	Intermediate Cyclist
G	about30km (Imabari IC – Omishima IC) 1 hour 35 minutes	About 100km 7 hours 30 minutes	Advanced Cyclist ※long mileage Checkpoint time is tough
H	about17km (Imabari IC – Oshima BS) 1 hour 25 minutes	About 40km 4 hours 30 minutes	Beginner Cyclist

*Time spent at aid stations, on a boat, etc., is included.
①Courses D and G are especially suitable for advanced riders as they have long running distances and strict gates. Please keep this in mind when applying.
②Other than the D and G courses, checkpoint times and finish closing times are set at various locations on the course, so please run within those times.
③If you are past the checkpoint time, you will be asked to stop running and will be transported to the finish venue in a storage vehicle.
④For more information on checkpoints, please see the checkpoint section of the event rules.
⑤On the expressways you will need to strictly follow traffic control hours and make sure to cycle at a minimum speed of 20 km/h.

【D：Check-in】

Is parking available for the reception on the day before the event?

Imabari reception venue will have a dedicated parking lot. The number of parking spaces is limited, and if the parking lot is full, please use a nearby parking lot (for a fee).
Onomichi reception venue does not have a dedicated parking lot.Please use nearby parking lots(for a fee).

Can I check in outside the specified hours?

We cannot accept any check-ins outside our stated check-in hours. You must check yourself in during our check-in hours, namely 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, October 26

If I fail to check in on the day before the event, can I check in on the day of the event?

We cannot accept any check-ins on the day of the event. You must check yourself in during our check-in hours, namely 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the day before the event (Saturday, October 26).

Can I change the selected reception location?

The selected reception venue cannot be changed.
*The reception venue will be selected at the time of application.

【E：Personal Belongings】

Can I have my personal belongings kept and transported?

Baggage storage will be available for a fee (advance application required) at the start venue on the day of the event.
・Please apply for baggage storage at the time of application.
・Leave your baggage at the start venue on the morning of the event day.
・Return baggage at the finish venue
Please put your personal belongings into a dedicated bag given out at reception on the day before the event.We cannot keep the things which do not fit in the bag, Made of nylon (planned), identification sticker with bib number attached)valuables.(Length 390mm * width 100mm * height 460mm (TBD), and fragile items like pottery and glass.
Please note that you will be required to present your bib number when checking in and returning baggage.

【F：Access】

How to reach each venue?

Please refer to Access to the Venue for means of transportation.

Will there be a shuttle bus , train, charter boat for me to take my bicycle onboard?

We will provide transportation services for people and bicycles to event participants using shuttle buses, cycle trains, etc. (for a fee). Information on how to apply and the operation plan will be posted on the event website around June.
○Shuttle bus (with a bicycle transportation service) (must book in advance for this paid service)
・A shuttle bus in the early morning of the day of the event 1) From Onomichi, to Imabari, and 2) From Imabari to Onomichi
*If you are using the shuttle bus to the start venue that leaves early on the day, you must leave your bicycle at each bicycle storage location (Imabari: Shikoku Seino Transport Co., Ltd. Imabari Branch; Onomichi: Nishigoshocho Prefectural Warehouse Uwaya No. 3) the day before.

・On the day of the event, a shuttle bus will run 1) From the finish venue in Onomichi to Imabari 2) From the finish venue in Imabari to Onomichi.
The shuttle bus routes and charges will be announced on the event webpage.

◎Notes
・Bicycles are not allowed on the shuttle bus. It will be transported by truck (using a special cardboard box).
・When using the truck, please be responsible for storing your items in the special cardboard boxes provided by the organizer.
The front wheels must be removed to store in the special cardboard box. (In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust the saddle height)
Please prepare your own tools (Allen key, torque wrench, etc.) necessary for removing and assembling the front wheel, adjusting the saddle height, etc.
For vehicles equipped with disc brakes, if you squeeze the brake lever with the wheels removed, the brake piston will pop out and the brake pads will not come off, so be sure to prepare a pad spacer.
・On the day of the event,please keep in mind the departure time of the shuttle bus after the finish, the time it will take to pack your bicycle, etc. as you ride.

○Cycle train (must book in advance for this paid service)
Cycle trains are scheduled to run between JR Matsuyama Station and JR Imabari Station (morning and evening) and between JR Fukuyama Station and JR Onomichi Station (morning only).
Cycle trains differ from regular bicycle trains in that you can put assembled bicycles on the train as is.
The charges and how to book the train will be announced on the event webpage.
*Operating routes, fees, etc. will be announced on the event webpage.

◎Notes
・On the day of the event, please keep in mind the departure time of the cycle train after the finish, the time required from the Imabari finish venue to Imabari Station, etc. when riding.

○Charter boat (must book in advance for this paid service)
・Charter boat heading from Kamijima Town (Yuge Port) to Imabari Port early on the day of the event.
・After finishing on the day of the event, a charter boat will be operated from Kamijima Town (Yuge Port) to Imabari Port.

*Operating routes, fees, etc. will be announced on the event webpage.
*Separately, we are planning to operate an early morning ferry (temporary service) from Onomichi City to Mukaishima in the early morning of the event day.
Onomichi Ohashi Bridge is narrow and dangerous, and bicycles are not allowed, so if you are gathering at the start venue (Mukaishima) by bicycle from Onomichi City, please use the early morning ferry mentioned above.

◎Notes
・On the day of the event, please keep in mind the departure time of the charter boat after the finish.

Is parking available around the start venues?

A temporary parking lot (free of charge) will be provided for event participants, but the number of parking spaces is limited, so please use public transportation as much as possible. (Especially starting from Onomichi/Mukaishima IC)
If you wish to park your car, please check “Parking lot on the day of the event” on the application form.
“Parking Permit” will be sent with “Notification of the Event”. Please park your car in the parking lot written on your “Permit” on the day of the event.

・Course A～C【Starting Point: Mukaishima IC】: Miyuki Elementary School ground, Mukaishima Chuo Elementary School ground, etc.

・Course D-H【Starting Point: Imabari IC】：Designated parking lot in the first area of Imabari Shintoshi (Nigiwai Hiroba, Imabari-shi, Ehime and Takahashi Fureai no Oka) etc

Can I change the parking lot listed on my “Parking Permit” on the day of the event?

The parking lot listed on the parking permit cannot be changed on the day of the event.
* Whether or not you wish to use the parking lot will be selected at the time of application.

【G：Starting,Finishing Points and aid stations】

Is there a maintenance service available for bicycles?

Mechanics will be stationed at the starting point and major aid stations. However, we strongly recommend participants to perform or obtain sufficient maintenance work in advance. Costs for any materials and parts used by the mechanics are the responsibility of the participant.

Are water or lunch offered on the day of the event?

There are 9 aid stations and each station offers water and food. (free of charge)
Lunch will be provided at the aid station or finish venue. (free of charge)

Course	Lunch venue
A	Near Hirokoji (finish venue)
B	Mukaishima Sports Park (finish venue)
C	Iwagi Port (Aid Station)
D	Mukaishima Sports Park (Aid Station)
E	Mukaishima Sports Park (finish venue)
F	Iwagi Port (Aid Station)
G	Omishima Branch (Aid Station)
H	Near Hirokoji (finish venue)

※The start venue does not provide water supply, please prepare before coming.

【H：Cycling】

Are there any precautions specific to expressway areas?

The expressway is not specifically designed for cycling.
Please cycle close to the center of the road to avoid colliding with the exterior walls or falling off the shoulder.
Please note that we have set some rules, such as 「Do not enter the outbound lane from ＜Onomichi to Imabari＞」,「Do not stop and take photos」,and「As a general rule, ride in two lines」. Please be sure to read the event rules and precautions before participating, and on the day of the event, please follow the instructions of the event staff.

Are there any prohibitions when driving on the main highway?

In the restricted traffic section (Imabari IC – Onomichi Ohashi Deiriguchi), participants will be traveling on the up line (from Imabari to Onomichi). The outbound line (from Onomichi to Imabari) is a lane used by emergency vehicles, and entry by participants is strictly prohibited.
In addition, stopping on expressways is strictly prohibited, except in unavoidable cases such as accidents.
Stopping to take photos or take a break is also prohibited. (Photography is only possible if the camera is fixed to a helmet, etc. and measures are taken to prevent it from falling.)
For more information, please refer to the event management section of the event regulations.

Are there any precautions on the ordinary roads?

On the ordinary roads, general motor vehicles and pedestrians also cross the courses.
Bicycle riders should keep to the left side in a row of the road and other road traffic regulations.
We sometimes receive harsh opinions from residents regarding the driving manners of some participants. We ask that all participants respect cycling etiquette and behave in a manner that is considerate of the lives of local people.
Before starting, please be sure to read and obey event rules and cautions, and please follow instructions from the staff on the day of event.

【I：Checkpoints and retiring mid-event】

Will I get disqualified if I cannot pass during closing time?

Unfortunately, it is forced you to retire from the event if you do not make it.
On expressway, the riders need to pass during closing time, leave from each aid stations before closing time, and arrive to finishing point within time limit.

【J：Tour authorized by the event with event entry rights】

What does accidental insurance cover?

There are various tours that, along with offering entry rights for Cycling Shimanami 2024, give you a chance to tour around and stay at premium locations in Hiroshima and Ehime Prefectures for a few days before and after the event, including in the Shimanami Expressway area, enjoying the natural landscapes, history, food, culture, and activities that are the pride of the region.
The tour details are also posted on our website, please directly contact the respective travel agents marketing and organizing the tours (the executive committee does not market these tours.)

【K：Others】

What does accidental insurance cover ?

The organizer will take out the accidental insurance (Death 5 million yen, Hospitalization day’s sum 5,000 yen, Visits day’s sum 3,000 yen). There is no additional coverage by the organizer.
Please consider to join the insurance by yourself for such as property damage liability coverage.

Does the organizer cover if the bicycle or helmet are stolen, damaged or lost in?

The insurance which the organizer will take out not able to cover stolen, damaged or lost items.
Please apply additional insurance by yourself.

Will you refund the fee if the event is canceled?

Please note that no refund will be made even if the event is canceled (Including cancellations due to the spread of infectious diseases.).

Can I fly a drone (small unmanned aircraft) to film the event?

We ask that anyone other than the event organizer refrain from flying drones or other small unmanned aircraft on the event course and around the venue.
*Flying around event venues and courses without approval or permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is a violation of aviation law.

Can I bring my pet to the event?

For safety reasons, animals are not allowed to travel with you.