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.

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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.

• New this year: A Peanut Festival to Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm loop of 7.4 miles, starting and finishing near downtown Plains!  

• Also new: A 67-mile metric century from Georgia Veterans, through Plains, with a longer loop the leads to the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm and back to Plains.

• All routes are fully supported with route markings, rest stops, and a 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 15)

• Take advantage of the supported ride back -- either by train, van or bicycle! 

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

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Costs

The cost to participate is determined by your starting point.

Georgia Veterans State Park: $49

Americus: $39

Plains: $20

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To encourage kids to join us, all children aged 12 and under ride free!

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​After covering the costs of the event (t-shirt, ice cream, train/shuttles, 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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​​Return Options

For those whose rides finish in a city different than where it begins, you have several great options for getting back from Plains to Georgia Veterans State Park and Americus:

1. Take the SAM Shortline train with your bicycle, departing Plains at 3:00. (Must be completed with your riding by 2:15.)

2. 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.  (Must be completed with your riding by noon.)

3. Get yourself back, either by bike (unsupported) or your own arrangements.​

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The train and our van/trailer can accommodate standard bicycles / e-bikes sizes only, not tricycles, recumbent bikes with long wheel bases, tandems, etc.

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THREE OFFICIAL START LOCATIONS -- Choose Your Favorite!

​1. Georgia Veterans State Park Depot - $49

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

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Distance options:

A. 46 miles: Ride 46 miles to Plains, and call it a day!

B. 53 miles: Ride 46 miles to Plains, then ride the 7 mile direct loop to the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm to finish with over 50 miles!

C. 67 miles (metric century): Ride 46 miles to Plains, then add a 21 mile figure 8 loop that includes the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm to finish with a metric century!  ​

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Georgia Veterans Park Schedule:

     7:00 - 7:30 -- Check-in

     7:30 -- Start time

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

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

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

     4:45 -- Train arrives back to Georgia Veterans   

 

2. Americus Train Depot - $39

329 S Jackson St, Americus, GA

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Distance options:

A. 14 miles: Ride 14 miles to Plains, and call it a day!

B. 21 miles: Ride 14 miles to Plains, then ride the 7 mile direct loop to the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm to finish with over 20 miles!

(Though it is unsupported, many riders from Americus also have chosen to ride back to Americus in the past, resulting in 28 or 35 total miles.)

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Americus Schedule:

     8:30 - 9:00 -- Check-in     

     9:00 -- Start time

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

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

     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' Buffalo Peanuts Warehouse - $20

​118 S Bond St, Plains, GA

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Distance:

7.4 miles: Ride 7.4 miles to the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm and back! Great for families or those just getting into riding bicycles.

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     9:30 - 10:00 -- Check-in for Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm loop

     10:00 -- Start time for Boyhood Farm loop 

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

     2:30 -- Rest stop support in Plains ends    

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There is no return transportation needed or offered for those starting in Plains since the ride finishes right where it started.

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Each of the start locations also function as rest stops with water, electrolytes, hearty snacks, and bathroom access for all registered riders. There will also be an additional rest stop in the morning at the Leslie Police Department for riders starting at Georgia Veterans.

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

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