I participated as a support rider in the “3rd Autumn Cycling Tour around Hikihara Dam,” held on October 26, 2025.
Event Overview and Situations on the Day
This event was held in Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Participants gathered at the Shiso Yamasaki Tourist Parking Lot. The morning meeting (opening ceremony) was scheduled to start at 8:30, but as soon as the MC picked up the microphone, the rain got heavier, so we delayed the start slightly.
The theme this time is “Enjoy Autumn in Shiso by Bicycle!”
From Shiso Yamasaki Tourist Parking Lot to Hikihara Dam, participants can enjoy local specialties while cycling.
Participation with rental bikes featuring electric assist is also available. (Rental fee will be charged separately.)
That morning, it was raining when we gathered, but as we rode bicycles along, it turned into a light drizzle, and mist began to rise from the surrounding mountains. I thought the weather would continue to improve, so I rode along with the participants toward Hikihara Dam.
Participation of gorgeous guest riders
This cycling event was made even more exciting by our gorgeous guest riders!
Two influencers, YUKARI, who is active on YouTube and Instagram, and Shiu-kun, known as the corporate team Niki, participated as guest riders.
Furthermore, Masayoshi Sato of the E1 class as leading corporate team player and Ryo Kobayashi from Shiso City, who has won the Tour de Okinawa, also joined us.
While we run bicycle in the course, staff members guided participants and took photos to support everyone.
As a result, we were very satisfied to hear participants comment that, “We had a great time cycling.”
At the turnaround point at Hikihara Dam, participants enjoyed the scenery, taking photos with the “BE SHISO” monument and capturing the dam’s landscape.
Fully enjoy Shiso’s Gourmet! A blissful aid station
Another highlight of this event was the fantastic aid (supply food ) provided with the cooperation of local shops in Shiso City.
Here are the local specialties provided.
Aid Station 1: Sweet and sour blueberry pie
About 20 kilometers into the course, we were served blueberry pie from Shiso Maple.
The sweet and sour taste was gentle taste on my slightly tired body, making it perfect for recovery.
Aid Station 2: The Absolute Best Dashi and Onigiri
Due to the rain, the aid station held at the gymnasium of the former Nohara Elementary School featured rice balls provided by HAGA Konigiri. The rice used is the sparkling variety native to Haga Town, and while the rice itself is delicious, the accompanying dashi was highly praised as absolutely superb.
Aid Station 3: Nostalgic Natural Taiyaki
At the rest point, Taiyaki from Matsukawa, established 95 years ago, made an appearance. Each individually grilled natural taiyaki featured a mild sweetness, a beloved flavor enjoyed across generations— the staff, now approaching 50, had savored since childhood.
After the goal: Shiso’s blessings and matcha latte
To conclude the event, we served sandwiches from Yamasando.
A gorgeous aid that you can choice featuring “Chunky Vegetable Sandwich” packed with abundant vegetables from Shiso City, the “Thick sliced Bacon and Egg Sandwich,” or the “Salted Lemon Chicken Sandwich.” I chose the Salted Lemon Chicken Sandwich. The perfect saltiness and sourness after cycling made it delicious.
In addition to sandwiches, we also offered Tokusaya’s matcha latte. Moreover, we had prepared apples (Fuji variety) from Hara Kanko Apple Orchard for you to take home and enjoy.
These delicious Shiso gourmet offerings were well enjoyed by the participants.
The 3rd Autumn Cycling Tour Around Hikihara Dam was a truly wonderful event, blessed with fall tastes, beautiful scenery, and the chance to meet great companions.
Thanks to the cooperation of participants, guest riders, and local shops, we achieved great success. We sincerely thank everyone who participated and cooperated!
Finally, a commemorative photo with the guest riders and the Okubo Manufacturing support riders.
