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 to occur the weekend of the big Plains Peanut Festival. Proceeds benefit local cycling initiatives in Sumter County. 

​

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.   

• Explore historic downtown Plains and opt to see the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park

• At the end of the ride, explore the Plains Peanut Festival and purchase lunch from any of the festival vendors

• Enjoy famous peanut butter ice cream, on us!  

• Take the SAM Shortline train back to your starting point in Americus or at Georgia Veterans State Park.  

• Alternately return to your start using our van/trailer or by making your own arrangements. 

​

Included in your registration:

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

• A ride back to your starting point, either by van/trailer or on the vintage SAM Shortline 

• Access to the Plains Peanut Festival

• Event t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by September 8)

• Plains' famous peanut butter ice cream!​

​

We encourage riders of all levels and skills to join us. The only requirements are that you register and wear a helmet. The train and our van/trailer can accommodate standard bicycles / e-bikes only, not tricycles, recumbent bikes, tandems, etc.

​

TWO START OPTIONS

​

1. The Big One – 45 miles (See the route here.)

Starting at Georgia Veterans State Park Depot

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

 

     7:00 -- Check-in begins

     7:30 -- Start time

     12:30 -- Van/trailer departure for 1:30 arrival (optional)

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

     4:45 -- Train arrives back to Georgia Veterans               

           

     Cost: $49                                           

​

​

 

2. The Americus-Plains Special – 14 miles (See the route here.)

Starting at the Americus Train Depot

329 S Jackson St, Americus, GA

 

     8:30 -- Check-in begins

     9:00 -- Start time

     12:30 -- Van/trailer departure for 1:00 arrival (optional)

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

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

 

     Cost: $39

​

​

​

​

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