In our latest interview, Neil sits down with Eddie O’Dea, the first person to complete the longest bikepacking route in the world. Eddie shares details from his experience on the 6,000-mile Eastern Divide Trail (EDT), including route highlights, bizarre moments, his love-hate relationship with Canada, various mechanical issues, and much more. If you’re considering riding all or part of the EDT, this video is a must-watch.
This video was supported by Surly Bikes, learn more about Surly and their lineup here: https://surlybikes.com?utm_source=bikepacking.com&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=brand-awareness-080322&utm_id=sur-2065070
Related Links:
GEORGIA CYCLING FUNDRAISER: https://www.georgiacycling.org/tackling-the-trail/
EDDIE’S RIG: https://bikepacking.com/bikes/eddie-odea-eastern-divide-trail-rig/
THE EASTERN DIVIDE TRAIL: https://bikepacking.com/eastern-divide-trail/
Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: https://bikepacking.com/join/?utm_source=youtube
#bikepacking #pedalfurther #EasternDivideTrail
————-
::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko (https://www.instagram.com/neil_beltchenko/)
Geometry: 150lbs, 5’9.5″, 32″ inseam
Wearing: EKITSUMA MERINO HOODIE
Small – https://www.kitsbow.com/collections/mens-collection/products/kitsuma-merino-hoodie
14 Comments
This video was supported by Surly Bikes, learn more about Surly and their lineup here: https://surlybikes.com?utm_source=bikepacking.com&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=brand-awareness-080322&utm_id=sur-2065070
So epic, what an accomplishment.
Tremendous achievement
This is amazing!
Amazing accomplishment! I've done some very short bikepacking trips (200ish miles) and my issue is always finding a place to stay at night. I wonder if Eddie has a daily goal in mind for each day. Must be the homework he mentions. It's mind-boggling to consider planning for a trip this length.
This is my number one goal…. 2028 I should be in St John's ready to start this epic bike ride. I live in Jamaica and I have a lot of family in Florida so this is ideal for me. I will be basically riding home from Newfoundland 😁🤞🏾 great job by everyone involved 👏🏾 I will join the Facebook group when the annual departures start so I can gain more information and knowledge. I keep telling myself u only live once. I always wanted to drive from NYC to California from the age of 17 but 30 years later my love for biking hasn't died and I WILL BE READY YA MR. EDT ❤
I live near St. Martins, New Brunswick. Happy to hear people were friendly. I also know that chunky rock section on the rail trail in Nova Scotia, I was there, and turned around, this summer. My first thought when I saw the route was that should have gone up to the highway. I’m sure some local knowledge might solve a few of those issues.
Quite an achievement. I’d be happy to ride just the Canadian parts if I’m able.
Awesome interview.
I have 2 young daughters whose mission in life is to waste as much time as possible on YouTube every day! Thankfully there are posts like this that restore my faith in humanity. Real people, good people, talking about real life adventures in an inspiring way. I'm too old to tackle anything like this but my heart is still in it. Thank you both so much for sharing
New foundland name he did want to pronounce is probably Channel Port Aux Basques. And yeah in NB province the St-Martin area is pretty gnarly. That trail along the Fundy Bay is deadly.
Hideo from Canada hey!
Awesome story and insights Eddie. I have always wanted to do the GDMBR but the EDT is really in my backyard and need to strongly consider it.
What a great guy!
Man! Excellent interview Neil. The term "intestinal fortitude" comes to mind (not literally…or maybe it is😁).
The perfect story to get me planning for next summer. Gotta see Newfoundland. I rode the Epic BC route this summer and am sold on Canada and Canadians for riding and hospitality, respectively.