{"id":586550,"date":"2026-05-16T02:12:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T02:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/586550\/"},"modified":"2026-05-16T02:12:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T02:12:15","slug":"raha-bassidjs-surly-bridge-club","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/586550\/","title":{"rendered":"Raha Bassidj’s Surly Bridge Club"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our Reader\u2019s Rig of the week comes from Raha from Canada, who shares the fully loaded Surly Bridge Club he\u2019s been pedaling for more than a year on an open-ended bikepacking getaway. Meet Raha, see photos of his well-worn bike in Baja, and read a little about his travel philosophy here\u2026<\/p>\n

Words by Raha Bassidj<\/a>, photos by Miles Arbour<\/a><\/p>\n

Hey, I\u2019m Raha (Farsi: \u201cfree, released, unbound, at ease\u201d). Born and raised in Toronto, I was lucky to grow up in one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world\u2014a mosaic of communities shaped by generations of immigration to Canada\u2019s largest city. Combined with my family\u2019s openness and unwavering support through the many twists and turns of my youth, as well as early experiences travelling independently within the relative safety of Canada, this allowed my curiosity about the effective infinitude of our world to grow virtually unhampered into adulthood.<\/p>\n

\"Surly<\/a><\/p>\n

Since those first mind-expanding experiences away from the familiarity of home, I\u2019ve cultivated a deep appreciation for the kind of unbounded, nose-following travel that leaves you exposed to the elements. This kind of roaming feels raw, real, and honest in a way that reconnects us with something pragmatic and primordial. One steps into a parallel universe where immediate needs become refreshingly salient. Add a bike to the equation, and one can unplug even more profoundly from the pervasive rhythms and expectations of everyday society. Needing little more than money for food, the modest bikepacker can string together a series of days and quickly arrive in a world entirely distinct from the last, ready to confront new challenges that are deeply engaging for many reasons\u2014not least of which is survival itself.<\/p>\n

\"Surly<\/a>
\n\"Surly<\/a><\/p>\n

The low-intensity yet high-stakes nature of long-term bike travel becomes a means of connection, simply because one has no choice but to become a listener: to one\u2019s body and mind, to the landscape and weather, to local customs, and to the quiet geography of sustenance and shelter.<\/p>\n

\"Surly<\/a><\/p>\n

For all these reasons and more, I sold almost all my belongings in early 2025 and put my money where my mouth was, setting off on an open-ended bikepacking journey. I haven\u2019t looked back since\u2014except to appreciate the joy I\u2019ve found along the way. Much like my life, my route has been far from a clean, continuous line. There have been times when I\u2019ve taken planes, trains, and automobiles. I have no final destination, only the next one\u2014which always reveals itself given enough time and space. My only goals are to keep listening to the road with an open heart and to seek out beauty in its infinite forms.<\/p>\n

\"Surly<\/a>
\n\"Surly<\/a><\/p>\n

Frame: Surly Bridge Club
\nFork: Surly Cocktail Fork
\nRims: WTB ST i29, 32h (front) \/ Velocity Blunt 35 (rear)
\nHubs: Novatec (front) \/ Shimano Deore XT (rear)
\nTires: Maxxis Rekon Race 27.5 x 2.25\u2033
\nHandlebars: Ritchey Kyote
\nHeadset: Cane Creek 40
\nCrankset: Shimano Cues
\nPedals: OneUp Comp Pedals
\nCassette: Shimano Cues 11-50T, 11-speed
\nDerailleur(s): Shimano Cues
\nBrakes: Tektro 160\/160
\nShifter(s): Shimano Cues U6000
\nSaddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost Endurance Ti316 Superflow
\nSeatpost: PNW Coast Dropper Suspension Seatpost
\nStem: Unknown
\nFront bags: Vaude Trailfront Handlebar Bag, 2X Newboler 7L Fork Bags + Cages
\nFrame bags: Mesabi 14L Full Frame Bag
\nRear bags: 2X Rhinowalk 20L Rear Pannier Bags, Sealine 10L Dry Bag
\nAccessory bags: Zembsoya Top Tube Bag, Rockbros Top Tube Bag
\nOther accessories: Naturehike YL08 Camping Chair; Apidura 3L Frame Bag Water Bladder<\/p>\n

As of this writing, I\u2019ve been on the road for over a year: island-hopping through coastal British Columbia, crossing interior BC and Eastern Canada, then tracing the Pacific coast from Canada through the U.S. and Baja California. Right now, I find myself in Mazatl\u00e1n, immersed in the cacophony of colours, textures, and joyful energy infused into everyday life here.<\/p>\n

\"Surly<\/a>
\n\"Surly<\/a><\/p>\n

My trusty camel, Shirley the Surly\u2014a Surly Bridge Club purchased in Victoria specifically for this trip\u2014has held up beautifully through it all: thousands of kilometres, snow, rain, bushwhacking, and countless adjustments to the fit.<\/p>\n

One of the things I love most about bikepacking is the constant optimization of gear\u2014weight distribution, accessibility, workflow efficiency. As such, I\u2019m always tinkering with the setup, moving things around, and swapping parts in search of the elusive perfect configuration. At this point, I\u2019m on my third set of handlebars, fifth stem, fourth saddle, and third set of grips. By the end of the trip, I\u2019ll have figured it out.<\/p>\n

\"Surly<\/a><\/p>\n

Thus far, I haven\u2019t paid for lodging once in over a year on the road\u2014not for hotels, hostels, or campgrounds. I\u2019ve relied exclusively on wild camping and the generosity of Warmshowers hosts in larger cities. Figuring out a quiet, dry, and discreet place to sleep as the sun starts to disappear is one of the many joys of bikepacking, and it\u2019s a challenge I genuinely relish every day.<\/p>\n

You can follow along with Raha on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Send Us Your Bikepacking Rig<\/p>\n

Use the form below to submit your bikepacking rig. We\u2019ll choose one per week to feature in a Reader\u2019s Rig Dispatch and on Instagram. To enter, email us your best photo of the bike (preferably at a 90\u00b0 angle), your Instagram username (optional), and a short description of you and your rig. If your bike is selected, we\u2019ll need a total of five photos and a little bit more info. <\/p>\n

Further Reading<\/p>\n

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info…<\/p>\n

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Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.<\/p>\n