Singletracks Mountain Bike Podcast cover image

Singletracks Mountain Bike Podcast

Inside Eddie O'Dea's Historic 5,900-mile Eastern Divide Bikepacking Trip

Apr 4, 2023
47:48

Eddie O'Dea is an ultra endurance athlete and member of the board at the Georgia Cycling Association. Last summer he became the first person to complete the 5,900-mile Eastern Divide bikepacking route over the course of 78 days and 10 hours.

  • Why did you decide to attempt ride the full Eastern Divide Route?
  • Tell us about the start of the ride. It seems like you ran into some snags even before you go rolling.
  • Which sections were your favorites? Did you get to hang out in any interesting towns along the way?
  • Are there any changes you would make to the Eastern Divide Route?
  • As a member of the Georgia Cycling Association board, what do the high school athletes think about your achievement?
  • How did your bike and equipment hold up?
  • Was there any point where you wanted to give up? How did you keep going? 
  • How long before you think someone else completes the route in one go? Will there ever be enough demand for a Grand Depart?
  • How did it feel to finish the ride? Would you do it again?
  • How does the Eastern Divide compare to the Great Divide?
  • What was the final mileage that you covered?
  • Does completing a big ride change you as a person?

Connect with Eddie at cycletechniques.com and @eddieodea.

The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit ⁠⁠⁠tpc.bike/singletracks⁠⁠⁠ and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner