Sumter Cycling | Plains, Trains and Bike Chains

Plains, Trains and Bike Chains
with the Plains Peanut Festival!

September 26, 2026

Celebrate fall in Sumter County with one of our most beloved traditions: a fully supported bicycle ride that showcases the historic town of Plains, the scenic country roads of southwest Georgia, and the excitement of the Plains Peanut Festival. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or brand new to riding, this event offers something for everyone — and supports local cycling initiatives all year long.

Helmets and registration are required for all riders.

What You'll Experience

A beautiful ride from Americus to Plains along quiet rural roads, passing through historic downtown Plains and the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.
Optional loops of 7.7 or 20.5 miles to visit the Boyhood Home and Farm and the newly opened Carter Gardens & Burial Site.
A Plains-based option for riders who prefer to start and finish at the Peanut Festival.
Distance options from 7.7 - 48 miles, making this event perfect for families, casual riders, and long-distance cyclists alike.
Multiple return options to Americus: bike back fully supported (new!), ride our shuttle, or take the Historic SAM Shortline train.
Enjoy the Plains Peanut Festival atmosphere with food trucks, local vendors, and treats available for purchase, plus a complimentary famous Plains peanut butter ice cream just for riders.

Ride Benefits

Fully supported routes with markings, rest stops, and a support vehicle for emergencies.
Bike parking away from the crowds during the festival
Event t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by Sept. 15)
Support Sumter Cycling's year-round work: bike education, free kids' bikes at Christmas, monthly community rides, and trail development
Enjoy famous peanut butter ice cream in Plains, on us!

Costs

Americus start, with train return: $49
Americus start, with shuttle return: $40
Americus start, self-return: $35
Plains start: $25

We love kids: 12 and under ride free!

Return Options from Plains to Americus

Bike back (new)! Fully supported return riding available until 3:00pm -- and saves you more than a few dollars on your registration.
Shuttle Van & Trailer provided by our friends at the Fuller Center Bike Adventure. Departs Plains at 12:30pm and gets you home 2.5 hours earlier than the train. (Bike must be loaded by noon.)
The SAM Shortline train departs Plains at 3:00pm. Bikes brought separately by trailer and must be loaded by 2:00. Line up to board the train at 2:30pm.

Note: Shuttle can accommodate standard bicycles and e‑bikes only (no trikes, long‑wheelbase recumbents, tandems, etc.). Plains starters finish where they began and do not need return transportation.

Schedule:

7:30 -- Check-in begins

8:00 -- Americus start

10:00 -- Plains start

11:00 -- Plains Peanut Festival parade (optional)

12:00 -- Deadline to load bike for shuttle

12:30 -- Shuttle departs Plains

1:00 -- Shuttle arrives in Americus

2:00 -- Deadline to load bike for train

2:30 -- Train boarding line forms | Plains rest stop ends

3:00 -- Train departs Plains | Support for cyclists returning to Americus ends

3:30 -- Train arrives to Americus and reunite with bikes | Americus rest stop ends