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.

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