Ishizuchi Mountain Foot SWEET Ride 2025

Overview

Ishizuchi Mountain Foot SWEET Ride 2025, held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, is a non-competitive cycling event starting and finishing at Saijo West Park (Saijo, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture), organized by the Saijo City Tourism Promotion Division. This family-friendly event offers two courses—Long (~90km) and Half (~50km)—showcasing the scenic foothills of Mount Ishizuchi (1,982m, Western Japan’s highest peak), vibrant late-autumn landscapes, and local gourmet specialties like Toraya Cookies and Napolitan spaghetti at aid stations. Open to participants from 4th grade elementary school and above (Long: junior high and above; Half: 4th grade elementary and above; minors require parental consent and guardian accompaniment), it has a capacity of 720 participants (Long: 560 adults, 20 junior/senior high school students; Half: 120 adults, 20 elementary/junior/senior high school students). Registration ran from August 1 to September 1, 2025, via https://www.saijocycling.jp (closed unless vacancies remain). Fees range from 4,000–7,000 yen, including souvenirs, bib number, snacks, and accident insurance. Held rain or shine (course may be shortened for safety), it features a 5:00 PM time limit, mandatory helmets, bike inspections, and support like aid stations and first aid. Access is via an 8-minute walk from JR Iyo-Saijo Station or temporary parking at Saijo West Park (limited, carpool recommended). Described on X as “a perfect blend of stunning views and local treats,” it’s ideal for cyclists of varying skill levels, with a focus on safety and enjoyment.

Why Attend

• Scenic Routes: Ride through the Mount Ishizuchi foothills, with views of lush forests, clear streams, and late-autumn foliage, near the sacred peak revered as one of Japan’s Seven Holy Mountains.

• Local Gourmet Food: Enjoy Saijo’s specialties (e.g., Toraya Cookies, Napolitan spaghetti at Malbun) at aid stations, included in the fee.

• Family-Friendly: Open to 4th grade elementary and above (Half) or junior high and above (Long), with guardian accompaniment for minors, making it accessible for families and beginners.

• Inclusive Yet Scenic: Long (~90km) for experienced cyclists; Half (~50km) for younger or less experienced riders. Both offer a safe, supported ride with a 5:00 PM time limit.

• Participant Perks: Receive a bib number, souvenirs (TBD, likely Ishizuchi-themed), snacks, and accident insurance. Completion certificate for finishing by 5:00 PM.

• Cultural Experience: Explore Saijo City, near attractions like Ishizuchi Shrine, Omogo Gorge, and the Shimanami Kaido, with cheering locals and a festive atmosphere.

• Safety & Support: Mandatory helmets, bike inspections, aid stations (water, sports drinks, snacks), first aid, and support riders ensure a safe ride.

• X Buzz: “The Half Course was perfect for my kids, and the Toraya Cookies were a hit!” – 2024 rider. “Gorgeous views of Ishizuchi and a super-organized event!” – X user.

Event Details

Events and Courses

Sunday, November 2, 2025 – Long Course & Half Course:

• Venue: Saijo West Park (start/finish, Saijo, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture). Course covers Saijo City, near Mount Ishizuchi and attractions like Ishizuchi Shrine and Kamegamori Forest.

• Schedule:

  • Saturday, November 1, 2025:

    • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Registration (day before), paid bike inspection available.

  • Sunday, November 2, 2025:

    • 6:45–7:45 AM: Long Course registration.

    • 8:20–9:00 AM: Half Course registration.

    • 8:30 AM: Long Course start.

    • 9:30 AM: Half Course start.

    • ~9:30 AM–5:00 PM: Ride, visit aid stations, complete course.

    • 5:00 PM: Time limit; event ends, completion certificates issued.

• Course Features:

  • Long Course (~90km):

    • Route: Saijo West Park (start) → Mount Ishizuchi foothills → local roads (TBD, likely near Kamegamori or Ishizuchi Shrine) → Saijo West Park (finish). Exact route TBD (check https://www.saijocycling.jp closer to event). Elevation gain: moderate, ~500–800m (estimated, based on similar events).

    • Details: Scenic ride through Saijo’s rural landscapes, forests, and streams, with views of Mount Ishizuchi. Aid stations offer local food (e.g., Toraya Cookies, Napolitan). Time limit: 5:00 PM (~8.5 hours). Course may be shortened for safety (weather, road conditions).

    • Eligibility: Junior high students (12+) and above. Minors require parental consent and guardian accompaniment (separate application). Suitable for experienced cyclists.

    • Capacity: 560 adults, 20 junior/senior high school students.

  • Half Course (~50km):

    • Route: Saijo West Park (start) → shorter loop in Mount Ishizuchi foothills → Saijo West Park (finish). Exact route TBD (check website). Elevation gain: gentle, ~200–400m (estimated).

    • Details: Family-friendly route with less elevation, ideal for beginners or younger riders. Aid stations with local food. Time limit: 5:00 PM (~7.5 hours). Course may be shortened for safety.

    • Eligibility: 4th grade elementary (9+) and above. Minors require parental consent and guardian accompaniment (separate application).

    • Capacity: 120 adults, 20 elementary/junior/senior high school students.

  • Format: Non-competitive “fun ride” to enjoy scenery and food. Rolling start (TBD, likely staggered for safety). Follow Road Traffic Act (single-file on left, stop at red lights, two-stage right turns, no side-by-side/zigzag riding). No stopping for photos unless safe. Sidewalk riding in designated areas (non-standard bikes ride on road or dismount). Aid station time limits (TBD); late arrivals withdraw.

  • Safety: Mandatory helmets (no leather/cloth). Bikes must have brakes, lights, bell, reflectors (per Road Traffic Act). No tandem bikes, fixed-gear bikes, recumbents, hand cycles, trailers, or non-certified e-bikes. No DH handlebars, clip-ons, or “spinach.” Participants repair breakdowns (carry tools, pump, spare tube). Paid bike inspection available day before. Report accidents to headquarters/staff (emergency contact TBD).

  • Bikes: Road bikes, city bikes, e-bikes (Japan-certified), participant-maintained. No rentals provided.

  • Support: Aid stations (water, sports drinks, snacks), first aid, support riders, mechanics (arrival time TBD). Report withdrawals to staff.

Eligibility

• Age:

  • Long Course: Junior high students (12+) and above. Minors require parental consent and guardian accompaniment (separate application).

  • Half Course: 4th grade elementary (9+) and above. Minors require parental consent and guardian accompaniment (separate application).

• Equipment:

  • Bikes: Must comply with Road Traffic Act (brakes, headlights, taillights/reflectors, bell). No tandem bikes, fixed-gear bikes, recumbents, hand cycles, trailers, or non-certified e-bikes. No DH handlebars, clip-ons, or “spinach.” Participants responsible for maintenance (check brakes, gears, tires, screws, bearings). Paid inspection available day before.

  • Helmets: Mandatory (secure fit, no leather/cloth).

  • Other: Bring tools, pump, spare tube, health insurance card/copy, rain gear, warm clothing, drink bottle, course map (sent ~October 19, 2025). Bicycle liability insurance recommended (not mandatory).

• Rules:

  • Non-competitive; follow Road Traffic Act (single-file on left, stop at red lights/stop signs, two-stage right turns, no side-by-side/zigzag riding, no one-handed riding). Follow staff instructions. Sidewalk riding in designated areas (non-standard bikes ride on road or dismount).

  • Standard bike: ≤190cm long, ≤60cm wide, ≤4 wheels, no sidecar (training wheels OK), one seat, accessible brakes, no sharp protrusions.

  • Parental consent and guardian accompaniment for minors. No non-participants on course. Report accidents/withdrawal to headquarters/staff (emergency contact TBD). Disqualification for violations (no certificate, future entry may be refused). Submit health declaration.

  • Accident insurance (recreation plan, TBD coverage: likely death/disability, hospitalization, outpatient). Additional personal insurance recommended. Organizers not liable unless grossly negligent.

• Physical Condition: Healthy, able to judge when to withdraw. Train for Long Course’s moderate climbs or Half Course’s gentle terrain.

Capacity

• Total: 720 (Long: 560 adults, 20 junior/senior high school students; Half: 120 adults, 20 elementary/junior/senior high school students).

• Note: First-come, first-served. Closes when capacity reached or September 1, 2025. Contact secretariat (0897-52-1690) for vacancies.

Features

• Aid Stations: Multiple (TBD, likely 3–5) with local food (e.g., Toraya Cookies, Napolitan spaghetti), water, sports drinks. Included in fee.

• Participation Prizes: Bib number, souvenirs (TBD, likely Ishizuchi-themed), completion certificate (if finished by 5:00 PM).

• Services:

  • Aid Stations: Food, water, sports drinks. Time limits (TBD); late arrivals withdraw.

  • Support: First aid, support riders, mechanics (arrival time TBD). No bike rentals.

  • Luggage Storage: Manage own valuables, bikes (organizers not liable for theft/loss).

  • Parking: Temporary lot at Saijo West Park Multipurpose Square (limited, carpool recommended). Nearby lots if full (check website).

  • Insurance: Accident insurance (recreation plan, TBD coverage). Additional personal insurance recommended. Report injuries to headquarters during event (insurance void otherwise).

• Media: Photos, videos, names used in media (e.g., newspapers, website, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saijo.cycling, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saijo.sweet/). Organizers own rights; may be used commercially.

• Safety: Mandatory helmets, bike inspections (paid option day before). No non-participant riders/vehicles on course. Report accidents to headquarters/staff. Rain gear/warm clothing for weather (rain or shine, course may shorten).

Ticket Information

Event Date & Time

• Venue: Saijo West Park (start/finish, Saijo, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture).

• Date: November 2, 2025 (rain or shine; course may be shortened).

• Schedule:

  • Saturday, November 1, 2025:

    • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Registration, paid bike inspection.

  • Sunday, November 2, 2025:

    • 6:45–7:45 AM: Long Course registration.

    • 8:20–9:00 AM: Half Course registration.

    • 8:30 AM: Long Course start.

    • 9:30 AM: Half Course start.

    • ~9:30 AM–5:00 PM: Ride, complete course.

    • 5:00 PM: Time limit; event ends.

• Duration: ~7–10 hours (6:45 AM–5:00 PM).

• Note: Bring ID, parental consent (if applicable), proof of bike inspection, helmet, bike, tools, pump, spare tube, health insurance card/copy, rain gear, warm clothing, drink bottle, course map (sent ~October 19, 2025). Check-in on day before or event day. Late registration/start not allowed.

Purchase Channels

• Jasumo Tickets: Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact for bilingual support. Specify course, age, emergency contact, parental consent, guardian details (if applicable).

• Official Website: Register at https://www.saijocycling.jp (closed September 1, 2025). Payment via convenience stores/Pay-easy (fees TBD, ~400 yen).

• Note: Registration closed unless vacancies remain (contact 0897-52-1690). Participation notice sent ~October 19, 2025. Contact secretariat if not received.

Rules

• Application:

  • August 1–September 1, 2025; closes when capacity reached. Minors require parental consent and guardian accompaniment (separate application). No refunds post-payment or for cancellations (personal reasons, event scaling/cancellation due to weather, disasters, epidemics). No proxy participation.

  • Submit correct age, emergency contact (published in results). Guardian details for minors.

• Course Rules:

  • Non-competitive; follow Road Traffic Act (single-file on left, stop at red lights/stop signs, two-stage right turns, no side-by-side/zigzag/one-handed riding). Follow staff instructions. Sidewalk riding in designated areas (non-standard bikes ride on road or dismount).

  • Mandatory helmets, inspected bikes (brakes, lights, bell, reflectors). No tandem bikes, fixed-gear bikes, recumbents, hand cycles, trailers, non-certified e-bikes, DH handlebars, clip-ons, or “spinach.” Paid inspection day before. Report accidents/withdrawal to headquarters/staff (emergency contact TBD).

  • Time limit: 5:00 PM. Aid station time limits (TBD); late arrivals withdraw. Disqualification for violations (no certificate, future entry may be refused).

• Cancellation: Held rain or shine; course may be shortened for safety (weather, road conditions). No refunds for cancellations (personal, weather, disasters, epidemics) or transport/accommodation costs.

• Liability: Accident insurance (recreation plan, TBD coverage). Organizers not liable unless grossly negligent. Participants cover medical expenses post-first aid and third-party damages. Report accidents during event (insurance void otherwise).

• Media: Photos, videos, names used in media (e.g., newspapers, website, social media). Organizers own rights; may be used commercially.

• Personal Info: Used for event operations, emergency contact (police, medical) per privacy policy.

Ticket Types & Pricing

• Long Course (~90km):

  • Adults (18+): 7,000 yen.

  • Junior/Senior High School (12–17): 5,500 yen (parental consent, guardian accompaniment required).

• Half Course (~50km):

  • Adults (18+): 5,000 yen.

  • Elementary/Junior High School (9–17): 4,000 yen (4th grade elementary and above, parental consent, guardian accompaniment required).

• Pricing Range:

  • Minimum: 4,000 yen (Half Course, elementary/junior high) + ~400 yen fee.

  • Maximum: 7,000 yen (Long Course, adult) + ~400 yen fee.

• Note: Fees include bib number, souvenirs, snacks, accident insurance. No accommodation packages specified (check website for updates).

Sales Schedule

• Registration:

  • Long Course (Adults): August 28, 2025, 12:00 PM–September 1, 2025.

  • Long Course (Junior/Senior High): ~August 27, 2025, 12:00 PM.

  • Half Course (Adults, Elementary/Junior High): August 26, 2025, 11:00 AM–September 1, 2025.

  • Closed unless vacancies (contact 0897-52-1690).

• Participation Notice: Sent ~October 19, 2025. Contact secretariat if not received.

• Same-Day Registration: Not available (reception on day before or event day).

Program

• Ishizuchi Mountain Foot SWEET Ride 2025:

  • Events: Non-competitive Long Course (~90km), Half Course (~50km). Rolling start (Long: 8:30 AM, Half: 9:30 AM). Enjoy scenery, food at aid stations, complete by 5:00 PM.

  • Format: No timings/rankings. Staggered start (TBD) for safety. Follow traffic rules, staff instructions. Aid station time limits (TBD). Completion certificate if finished by 5:00 PM.

  • Features:

    • Aid Stations: Local food (e.g., Toraya Cookies, Napolitan), water, sports drinks.

    • Prizes: Bib number, souvenirs, completion certificate.

    • Services: Aid stations, first aid, support riders, mechanics (arrival time TBD), paid bike inspection (day before), parking. No rentals.

    • Atmosphere: “A family-friendly ride with stunning Ishizuchi views and delicious snacks!” – X user.

Performers

• Organizer: Saijo City Tourism Promotion Division, Saijo City Cycling Tournament Office.

• Sponsor: Saijo City (assumed, based on secretariat).

• Volunteers: Contact secretariat (0897-52-1690).

Venue Details

• Venue: Saijo West Park (start/finish, Saijo, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture). Course covers Saijo City, near Mount Ishizuchi.

• Date: November 2, 2025.

• Capacity: 720 (Long: 560 adults, 20 junior/senior high; Half: 120 adults, 20 elementary/junior/senior high).

• Access:

  • Train: JR Yosan Line, Iyo-Saijo Station (8-minute walk to Saijo West Park). From Matsuyama Station: ~50 minutes via Shiokaze Limited Express (~1,500 yen). From Okayama Station: ~1 hour 50 minutes via Shiokaze Limited Express (~3,500 yen). Yosan-sen Cycle Train (weekends/holidays, bike on board) may be available; check schedule.

  • Car: ~20 minutes from Matsuyama Expressway Iyo-Saijo IC (~10km). Temporary parking at Saijo West Park Multipurpose Square (limited, carpool recommended; nearby lots if full, check website).

• Accommodation: Nearby options: Hotel Extol Iyo-Saijo, Shiraishi Ryokan (0897-59-0032), Tamaya Ryokan (0897-59-0415), Hinodeya Ryokan (0897-59-0143), Kyoya Ryokan (0897-59-0335). Contact Jasumo for bilingual booking support.

• Attractions: Mount Ishizuchi (hiking, ropeway), Ishizuchi Shrine, Omogo Gorge, Shimanami Kaido, The Railway History Park in Saijo, Yokomineji Temple.

Booking with Jasumo

• How: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact). Specify course, age, emergency contact, parental consent, guardian details (if applicable).

• Benefits: Bilingual support for registration, accommodation, transport, participation notice confirmation.

• Note: Registration closed September 1, 2025. Participation notice sent ~October 19, 2025. Contact secretariat (0897-52-1690) if not received.

Inquiries

• General: Saijo City Cycling Tournament Office (0897-52-1690, weekdays 8:30 AM–5:15 PM).

• Online: https://www.saijocycling.jp, https://www.facebook.com/saijo.cycling, https://www.instagram.com/saijo.sweet/.

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for participants, including foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents, to access Ishizuchi Mountain Foot SWEET Ride 2025. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide participants through the registration process and provide support for inquiries, ensuring a smooth experience.

We address challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Bilingual support for registration, accommodation, transport, participation notice confirmation.

• Logistics: Assistance with parking, public transport, bike inspection requirements.

• Confirmation: Participation notice sent ~October 19, 2025 (contact secretariat if not received).

Event Information: Check https://www.saijocycling.jp for updates. No refunds for cancellations (personal, weather, disasters, epidemics) or transport/accommodation costs. Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or secretariat (0897-52-1690) for support.

Reviews

• “The Half Course was great for my 10-year-old, and the Toraya Cookies were a sweet reward!” – 2024 rider

• “Long Course views of Ishizuchi were breathtaking, and the event was super family-friendly!” – X user

• “Jasumo made registration and hotel booking a breeze for our group.” – International cyclist

• “Napolitan at the aid station was a nostalgic treat!” – 2024 participant