An SHP bike touring trip can be an unbelievably fun and rewarding experience. But that kind of experience does not happen automatically. It requires a commitment on your part.

You'll need to accommodate yourself to the personalities of 8-12 other people with whom you'll be living constantly, intensely. An SHP trip is not the place for exclusive cliques, nor is it the place for selfishness or unreasonableness.

Self-discipline, a reasonable level of maturity, and sensitivity are needed. You will be expected to respect the feelings of your fellow trippers and the rights and lifestyles of other people you'll meet during the trip. You'll be expected to do your share of the work and day-to-day chores.

The trips require a certain level of physical effort. You needn't be an athlete; any person in good health can handle the bicycling and other activities on most trips, but you must have the desire to do it and be willing to make the effort.

You need to have the willingness and self-control to follow SHP's bicycling safety rules.

With a few exceptions, our trips are planned for the person who wants to bicycle at a moderate pace. If you are interested only in long distance bicycling, look at our higher mileage trips (under "Challenge Trips" on the "Trips" page).

Pot, drugs, all alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes (including chewing tobacco) are not allowed on SHP trips. If you feel that you cannot get along without pot, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco for 1-9 weeks, do not sign up. Possession or use of any of these will result in immediate dismissal from the trip.