Connecting Worlds Beyond the Bridge~ From Cycling Shimanami 2024 ~

“It’s the largest event of its kind in Japan and the only one where participants ride on a highway,”
announced Governor Tokihiro Nakamura of Ehime Prefecture. With his opening remarks, the starting horn sounded.

Around 1,750 riders set off in waves from the Imabari Highway Interchange (Ehime Prefecture) toward Onomichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture). At the same time, an equal number of riders began their journey from the Mukai Island Interchange in Onomichi, aiming for Imabari. Sunday, October 27, 8:08 AM, under cloudy skies.

This joint cycling event between the two prefectures is globally recognized as Japan’s largest cycling event, celebrated for showcasing the natural beauty, tourism resources, and volunteer spirit of both regions.

Imabari Port, which served as both an entry and finish venue for riders

Cycling Shimanami is held every two years, alternating between a large-scale event with around 7,000 participants and a medium-sized event with about half that number. The 2024 event is the latter. However, it still retains its international appeal, attracting riders not only from Ehime Prefecture and other parts of Japan but also from overseas. This year, 550 riders from 27 countries and regions participated, along with key members from familiar international fan rides.
Among them were Travis, the Executive Director of the Honolulu Century Ride, and Ken, the organizer of the FIVE BORO BIKE TOUR (Bike New York), participating for the second and third times, respectively.

Travis, dressed in hibiscus-themed attire, was riding at a brisk pace right from the start.

Ken, the CEO, crossed the finish line under the gate with a beaming smile.

Participants can choose from eight courses ranging from approximately 40km to 100km, each offering routes with scenic views of the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea.

From the official *Cycling Shimanami 2024* pamphlet

The youngest participant, Natsuki (9 years old), successfully completed the 40km course, which is open to fourth graders and above, alongside her dad! She mentioned that the scenery was so beautiful that she felt she could have ridden a bit longer.

A team of workplace colleagues participated for the first and second time. They enjoyed the scenery along with the food at the aid stations. They mentioned that the lemon pork burger and lemon squash they had on Kamijima were delicious. Local grandmothers waved flags along the route, which provided them with encouragement.

The day after the event, Ehime Prefecture, which promotes itself as a “Cycling Paradise,” held a memorandum signing ceremony with BIKE NEW YORK and HM-A, a company dedicated to promoting bicycle culture. The agreement focuses on “promoting exchange through cycling with the Ehime Prefecture Cycling New Culture Promotion Association.”
During the signing ceremony, Ken, the CEO, spoke about the wonderful courses of Cycling Shimanami and the warmth of the volunteers, encouraging Governor Nakamura to ride at next year’s BNY and see the event’s operations.

From left to right: Tokihiro Nakamura, Governor of Ehime Prefecture; Kenneth J. Podziba, CEO of Bike New York; and Jiro Kitamura, President of HM-A.

A bridge has been built between Ehime Prefecture, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and New York. As a result, anticipation grows among Japanese cyclists regarding the potential collaborations that will unfold.

Text_GR Editorial Team