The Urban Adventure League was founded in 2004 by me, Shawn Granton, as a way to mesh my interests in bicycling, alternative transportation, geography, and history into a pseudo-organization. It is non-profit, as I don't intend to make money through the league.
The Urban Adventure League hosts various events that explore the urban environment using feet, bicycles, public transit, and possibly other alternative forms of transport. All Urban Adventure League sponsored events and projects will emphasize fun, de-emphasize competition, and foster connectivity and awareness. There's plenty of interesting things to be done in an urban environment, and we want to encourage and foster creative ways to enhance our living experience to its fullest. Boredom will not be allowed.
MEMBERSHIP:
You're a member! Easy as that. No dues or whatever.
THE BLOG: is where I post information about upcoming Urban Adventures, reports on past Adventures, stuff going on in my life, and things pertaining to Urban Adventure League related interests.
ABOUT RIDES:
Generically, the bicycle rides I lead fall under the category of "Shift" rides, as in the organization Shift to Bikes. More info about them can be found on their website.
What this means is my rides are low-key, casual affairs. They're not about "let's ride 30 miles in 2 hours at a fast pace". No, my rides fall into the 3-10 mile range at a slower pace. Spandex not required. We don't leave people behind.
Since a lot of my rides are about history and/or geography, there are lots of stops. Keep this in mind if you are an anxious rider and need to always be pedaling. Also keep this in mind if you have young children, because it has happened in the past that some kids get too bored and cranky with all the stops.
For rides such as the Pedal Potluck Picnic, you should have the ability to carry your own stuff. There is no SAG wagon, no support. Carry it in a backpack, courier bag, rack, pannier, trailer, basket, whatever. But you'll be the one who has to carry it.
Some of my rides end in the twilight hour or after dark. So it's always a good idea to bring your lights with you.
The rides begin for the most part in the central city, close to a bicycle route. I also try to start rides in destinations with good public transportation. Pretty much all of my rides are not loops, so don't expect to end up back where we started. Don't expect to end up near where we started, either. If you do need to get back to the start point, I will give you guidance and directions as long as you let me know.
ABOUT WALKS:
The walks generally have a good mix of walking conditions: sidewalk, street, grass, dirt, mud, and the occasional stairway. Bear this in mind. Good walking shoes is a must. Something waterproof is recommended for the rainier months, since we can expect to see some mud.
Bringing water is a good idea, since we won't see many water fountains (if any) along the route. A snack is recommended as well, though I always try to find a good place for refreshment along the route.
Dress for the weather. Rain is a possibility in the winter, so a rain jacket is a good idea. And remember it can get a little cold out there. Once we're moving, it's fine. But when we stop, you can get cold--fast!
As with rides, walks are generally not a loop. At the end we'll hop on a bus, so have appropriate transit fare.
DRIVING TO A START LOCATION? Please DON'T if you can. Use public transit/bicycles/your feet. We don't take parking into consideration. We can understand if you're coming from far away you might want to drive (and we won't give you crap if you do) but please remember the UAL is all about alternative transportation.
IN GENERAL:There's never any fee with an Urban Adventure League event! Of course, there may be transit fare involved and I generally am not going to pay for your food. Donations are always accepted, and I have zines for sale. But the event itself is free...free...FREE!
Generically, the bicycle rides I lead fall under the category of "Shift" rides, as in the organization Shift to Bikes. More info about them can be found on their website.
What this means is my rides are low-key, casual affairs. They're not about "let's ride 30 miles in 2 hours at a fast pace". No, my rides fall into the 3-10 mile range at a slower pace. Spandex not required. We don't leave people behind.
Since a lot of my rides are about history and/or geography, there are lots of stops. Keep this in mind if you are an anxious rider and need to always be pedaling. Also keep this in mind if you have young children, because it has happened in the past that some kids get too bored and cranky with all the stops.
For rides such as the Pedal Potluck Picnic, you should have the ability to carry your own stuff. There is no SAG wagon, no support. Carry it in a backpack, courier bag, rack, pannier, trailer, basket, whatever. But you'll be the one who has to carry it.
Some of my rides end in the twilight hour or after dark. So it's always a good idea to bring your lights with you.
The rides begin for the most part in the central city, close to a bicycle route. I also try to start rides in destinations with good public transportation. Pretty much all of my rides are not loops, so don't expect to end up back where we started. Don't expect to end up near where we started, either. If you do need to get back to the start point, I will give you guidance and directions as long as you let me know.
ABOUT WALKS:
The walks generally have a good mix of walking conditions: sidewalk, street, grass, dirt, mud, and the occasional stairway. Bear this in mind. Good walking shoes is a must. Something waterproof is recommended for the rainier months, since we can expect to see some mud.
Bringing water is a good idea, since we won't see many water fountains (if any) along the route. A snack is recommended as well, though I always try to find a good place for refreshment along the route.
Dress for the weather. Rain is a possibility in the winter, so a rain jacket is a good idea. And remember it can get a little cold out there. Once we're moving, it's fine. But when we stop, you can get cold--fast!
As with rides, walks are generally not a loop. At the end we'll hop on a bus, so have appropriate transit fare.
DRIVING TO A START LOCATION? Please DON'T if you can. Use public transit/bicycles/your feet. We don't take parking into consideration. We can understand if you're coming from far away you might want to drive (and we won't give you crap if you do) but please remember the UAL is all about alternative transportation.
IN GENERAL:There's never any fee with an Urban Adventure League event! Of course, there may be transit fare involved and I generally am not going to pay for your food. Donations are always accepted, and I have zines for sale. But the event itself is free...free...FREE!
