Southwest Georgia Cycling Events and Advocacy

Plains, Trains and Bike Chains is an annual event highlighting the historical town of Plains, the SAM Shortline train, and the beautiful scenic country roads that this part of Georgia has to offer. It is scheduled annually to occur the weekend of the big Plains Peanut Festival.

 

We encourage riders of all levels and skills to join us, and proceeds benefit local cycling initiatives in Sumter County. We do require all riders to register and wear a helmet, and please note that the rest stops do have cut-off times.

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Event Details

• Ride your bicycle to Plains from GA Veterans State Park or Americus along a scenic route showcasing the beauty and history of this area.   

• Fully supported ride with route markings, rest stops, support vehicle for emergencies

• Explore historic downtown Plains and opt to see the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park including the Boyhood Home and Farm.

• Experience the Plains Peanut Festival and purchase lunch from any of the festival vendors

• Event t-shirt included (guaranteed if registered by September 7)

• Take advantage of the supported ride back -- either by train, van or bicycle! Note: the train is now full.

• Enjoy famous peanut butter ice cream in Plains, on us!  

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Costs

The cost to participate is $49 per person. For those who plan to ride less than 20 miles, we offer a discounted rate of just $39. After covering the costs of the event (t-shirt, ice cream, transportation, rest stop supplies), proceeds help Sumter Cycling promote and encourage cycling in Sumter County, which includes educational programs, free new and used bicycles for kids at Christmas, and community rides the first Saturday of each month. 

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Rules for Teams

Each rider on the team must register and check-in at one of the three official start locations during the check-in periods listed further below. Riders on teams may ride together or swap in and out with each other during the event whenever they choose, but they must self-support their entries and departures throughout the event. The only assistance with transportation offered are the options described below that are offered for all riders from Plains to Americus and from Plains to Georgia Veterans State Park. ​

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Return Options

We've organized several great options for getting back from Plains to the two other official starting points at Georgia Veterans State Park and Americus:

1. Take the SAM Shortline train with your bicycle, departing Plains at 3:00. Note: The train is now full. 

2. Ride your bicycle back! For the first time, we will be supporting the rides back with rest stops as part of the 100th birthday celebration.

3. Use one of our provided vans and trailers, thanks to the Fuller Center Bike Adventure and the UGA Extension Office, which depart Plains at 12:45.  

4. Use your own vehicle or team's vehicle to return or depart.​

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​ The train and our van/trailer can accommodate standard bicycles / e-bikes only, not tricycles, recumbent bikes, tandems, etc.

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THREE OFFICIAL START LOCATIONS -- Choose Your Favorite!

​1. Georgia Veterans State Park Depot

2459 U.S. Highway 280 W; Cordele, GA

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     7:00 - 7:30 -- Check-in

     7:30 -- Start time

     12:45 -- Van/trailer departure from Plains for 1:45 arrival at Ga. Vets

     1:00 -- Rest stop support begins at this location for century riders

     2:30 -- Begin loading train in Plains (3:00 departure) 

     4:00 -- Rest stop support at this location ends for century riders  

     4:45 -- Train arrives back to Georgia Veterans   

 

2. Americus Train Depot

329 S Jackson St, Americus, GA

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     8:30 - 9:00 -- Check-in     

     9:00 -- Start time

     12:45 -- Van/trailer departure from Plains for 1:15 arrival to Americus

     2:00 -- Rest stop support at this location ends

     2:30 -- Begin loading train in Plains (3:00 departure)    

     3:30 -- Train arrives back to Americus Train Depot 

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3. Plains' Williams Warehouse

​110 S Bond St, Plains, GA

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     10:00 - 12:00 -- Check-in (no official start time as the event is already on-going)    

     12:45 -- Van/trailer departure from Plains to Americus and Georgia Veterans

     2:30 -- Begin loading train in Plains (3:00 departure)    

     2:30 -- Rest stop support at this location ends

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Note: An additional rest stop will be supported at the Leslie Police Department at 108 Commerce Street in Leslie, GA from 8:00 - 9:00 am and Noon to 3:00pm. Though it will provide water and refreshments, riders are not able to check-in at this location and must do so at one of the locations listed above.

 

Each rest stop will be stocked with water, electrolytes, and hearty snacks for all registered riders until the times indicated. 

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Questions about the ride? Just email us at: sumtercycling2020@gmail.com.

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Popular Distance Options

Most riders will start and finish at the same place with their vehicle, or choose to take our transportation (train or van) from Plains to Americus or Georgia Veterans. See the Return Options described above for the schedule and more details.