Can A GCN Roadie Ride The Hardest Mountain Bike Race In The World? | The Megavalanche

When Blake Samson got an invite to ride the Megavalanche, he jumped at the chance to take it on again. To mix things up a bit, this time he wanted someone to share the experience with. Knowing that James Lowsley-Williams (aka Hank) at ‪@gcn‬ is always up for an adventure, Blake decided to see if he could succeed where GCN had failed and find a challenge that was too much for him!
With minimal experience on a mountain bike, would Hank even be able to complete the 21km long snow and rock-strewn course, let alone race hundreds of other riders down it? The boys headed to France to find out...
⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
2:33 - Chapter One: Practice
11:07 - Chapter Two: Qualifying
21:00 - Chapter Three: Main Race
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Did you think Hank would make it? Would you like to take on the Megavalanche? Let us know in the comments 💬👇
Watch more on GMBN...
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🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
You Don't Know (Instrumental Version) - Psuche
SUPRA - STRLGHT
Venture - STRLGHT
Vibrations of the Universe (Instrumental Version) - Psuche
Water Baby - Gregory David
Plumage - Jobii
Pressure Lover (Instrumental Version) - Blood Red Sun
RAGE - DonVayei
Rave - STRLGHT
Ready to See My Baby (Instrumental Version) - Big Girl
Sandstorm - Chris Shards
Streets of Gold - DonVayei
Lost Together (Instrumental Version) - Coma Svensson
Mass Hysteria - STRLGHT
Minitaur - Tigerblood Jewel
Fractured Paintings - Trevor Kowalski
Ganja - Ooyy
Distortion Swell 2 - SFX Producer
Dead to Me - STRLGHT
Alive Without Breathing - Deskant
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[@gmbn]

Did you think Hank would make it? Would you like to take on the Megavalanche? Let us know 💬👇

[@LEL7567-ABCDEF]

ready for hardline?

[@henrikkolst1229]

It is on my bucketlist. Next you should try the Offroad Finnmark as a team

[@gregormurray7873]

Following both GMBN and GCN on a regular basis, next years summer challenge should be Blake giving the Etape du Tour with Hank!

[@GeekonaBike]

Hank crushed it & a lot of credit goes to Coach Blake!

[@pcdude2394]

I think Blake bought life insurance for Hank before he invited hank to the death ride.

[@user-yx1qk4sk5t]

This might be the best collab vid I've seen from both channels. Hats off to Blake and Hank.

[@I.Q.03]

I agree

[@AdventureRich]

Right there with ya

[@irsyadrdp]

Totally agree with you

[@matthewpodmore1823]

Agreed so good to watch

[@Thealchemist233]

Honestly the best video of GMBN. Hank is an ABSOLUTE madlad, that level of commitment during his qualifying run, and also his surprisingly good skills was awesome to watch. My massive respect for this guy 🫡

[@Craweats]

True! Hank is not your average roadie. Absolute legend.

[@tbrowniscool]

Hank is fucking brave to do this. So many possible injuries. PURE COURAGE! ❤❤

[@Swoxx]

Best collaboration between GCN and GMBN ever! Hank and Blake together is pure ❤

[@sorenludwig3978]

You have to watch the gcn episode in which they try to pudh Blake to win a road race.

[@mauroalves33]

OMG that jump to flat at 17:24... What a legend 😆

[@Freegrem]

next we teach hank how to scrub and hes a monster

[@nicfernando99]

That surprised me!

[@jokermtb]

I could tell by his breathing as he took off, that he knew immediately that he was entering THE VOID

[@WredFawks]

I'm super impressed with the speed of his recovery

[@tomrace3057]

And the video editing skills at that point - the blurring, the sound effects - you feel dazed just watching. Top work from the production team as well as the presenters.

[@BenSch100]

Blake & Hank doing the Mega?!?! The best & most entertaining video from GMBN this year!! And HUGE props to Hank for trying and qualifying for the main event and then finishing the race!!! Unbelievable!! 💪💪

[@2011hwalker]

Climate change is undermining this event though, not a lot of snow 😬

[@fjallmann]

I have to say that the camaderie and respect that Blake and Hank have for each other is so amazing. Doesn't matter what discipline of cycling, two wheels, one heart.

[@fegasegiawan3440]

The editing when Hank crashed is top notch! Enjoyed every second of the video! Take a bow, Blake and Hank!

[@orbeuniversity]

Absolutely! Totally agree. Please do a behind the scenes.

[@nubain10mg]

Full respect for Hank for venturing off his comfort zone in biking. Hat off to Blake for a awesome mentoring of a roadie.

[@andigordon1024]

What an effort by both. This might be the best GMBN Megavalanche video yet, and definitely the best crossover with GCN. Also kudos to the filmers. Most people don’t capture how steep the start is, that drone shot was 🤯

[@MichaelTV44]

Before I clicked on the video just based off of the title I was like it has to be Hank. I feel like he's got the best bike handling skills out of the GCN crew. Hank killed it, I think in this situation ignorance is bliss. He just rode everything's and didn't think about it too much. He rode some really gnarly lines I don't even know if I would do and I've been riding for 13 years.

[@bergerniklas6647]

to be fair, Si rides XC quit often, also was in the GB junior team in XC. So I guess he would also have a chance

[@Paganiproductions84]

XC mountainbiker i would not even try i don´t have the bikes for anyway

[@WerdnaLiten]

Yeah, they couldn't take Ollie.....

[@EternallySurprised]

Being an active downhill rider and also having joined the roadie club two years ago, this video featuring my two favourite presenters is so fun to watch! Hank, great job! That was awesome!

[@hugomundo4826]

The bromance is real, and it's beautiful. Hank falling, getting up and still qualifying is a huge inspiration. I saw his GPS dangling and falling after the crash and the dude was like, "fuck my power levels, i'm gonna finish this" hahahahahah

[@nevillepretorius8948]

Guys I have watched a LOT of GMBN and GCN videos, I really think this was the best one yet! These two together was amazing!

[@Will-it1px]

Yes, i liked the bit were they come down that big hill in la France

[@l33t1ee7]

Love anything with Hank. Love it when he's on GMBN

[@billmccaffrey1977]

This is the best GCN challenge yet. The story line and realism were great. Hats off to Blake and Hank (James) for an epic ride.

[@malcolmgraham9462]

I love how bonkers Hank and Blake are on the cross-over videos. Both showing full commitment! 😮😂

[@Superfluous.]

Kilian, Stefan, Olivier and a bunch others in the top 10, year after year show us _how easy it can be,_ but not _how hard it really is._ Hats off to you guys!

[@BoBo-pl3ww]

Hugo finished in first this year i think

[@Murray_23]

Hank and Blake, GCN/gmbn dream team!! Bravo to Hank for that quali performance.

[@sparker602]

not gonna lie, I just now realized I've often thought Blake and Hank were the same person just doing spots on both channels...

[@devincook3278]

Nice work, Hank. Pro athletes are built different. It's tough to understand the amount of tenacity it takes to become a very high-level athlete. My belief is that you can put someone like that in any competitive high stress situation, and they will excel. We like to rebel in the chaos that crushes most folks. Way to step up to the challenge!!!

[@msj1117]

The pre-race nerves and buildup was spectacularly captured. Also, the bromance between Hank and Blake was adorable. It's easy to see the genuine love and respect each has for the other. Great video, and thank you for making it!

[@nluisa]

As much as things can staged for videos like this, I think there is genuine bonding between those two. Seeing the power of connection and relationships is inspiring and is what makes life special.

[@mahonah]

What a ride! Love it! Hank and Blake are truly brothers separated at birth. The collaboration between GCN and GMBN is always great to watch. Looking forward to more.

[@billbobaggins468]

seriously Hank you're a legend. Total respect for doing this!

[@iconhotel182]

it's really hard to believe that hank has little to no mtb experience and he was able to qualify and do well in this event. kudos to hank for yet again going out of his comfort zone by miles. Mostly watch GCN and has seen a couple vids with Blake. more GCN/GMBN crossover please!

[@AndersonPagani]

Dude has three steel balls! He is riding better than me 😅

[@matt_acton-varian]

Yes! Well done Hank! As a fan of both channels I was jumping with excitement for this Collab and it did not disappoint. Loving the bromance 😂😂

[@01FozzyS]

Hank and Blake together are like the X-Games versions of GCN and GMBN. Well done both!

[@dalj4362]

Respect to the dude that ploughed into Hank and continued apologising when he was still crashing 😅Respect mate👊

[@Tethysmeer]

Hank having so little mountainbike experience sending it so good is amazing. What a talent.

[@never2late_mtb349]

Love these collabs. What an enduro team these two would make. Hank's pedalling and Blake's down-hilling. Feeding off of each other. Get Hank over to Whistler!

[@alinapopescu872]

My two favourite presenters on these channels. I'm proud of you, James. Once again. And Blake can be such a mother hen ❤❤❤

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Wow, Hank is really badass. Next collab, the roadie equivalent: Blake and Hank ride into the Arenberg forrest at 60 km/h on 23mm tires.

[@danielvernersson1936]

I would like to see both Blakes and Hanks full length video of the race. 😊

[@KwadSkwad]

Honestly the best crossover i’ve seen. true friends, true grit, true determination. Y’all are crazy and inspirational. chapeaux !!

[@JustOneWolf]

I knew beforehand that this video would be amazing and it surely delivered. Can't do wrong with Blake and Hank. Hank is an absolute beast and truly a complete cyclist. He surely has to do it again next year with a bit more tech practice 😀 And blake as well because come on, he got beaten by a roadie 😉

[@Craweats]

Blake: "Hank is good at pedaling." 🤣

[@alc2347]

Jesus, I wanted to watch before bed and now my adrenaline is pumping ! What a video! The Hank and spank bromance is a delight! 😂

[@awood825]

By far one of GMBN's best videos I've ever watched. Blake is the Daniel Craig 007 of Mountain Biking. He is the best. Super cool guy with a great attitude. Props to Hank. He got out of his comfort zone and went "FULL SEND". Awesome Awesome video. Congrats to everyone involved in making it.

[@wh3502]

Great video. Hank did brilliantly, you could really see his power on the flat and uphill sections!

[@darrylmorgan]

Big respect Hank that was awesome dude!!Mega effort from both you guys,Congrats on finishing!!!

[@scchua4203]

I'm believing that Hank and Blake are brothers separated at birth! Awesome effort by both, and kudos to Hank for trying an epic event out of his comfort zone. I'd love to see more of Hank and Blake. Maybe even Hank's Dad in there also. (Blake's Dad?) Big THUMBS UP for Hank and Blake!

[@robertgosling4103]

Well done Hank that's an awesome result being able to go from Road Cycling to this! Also congratulations to the video editing team, making Hanks crash be like a scene from Call of Duty when a grenade explodes nearby was inspired!

[@chbrosz]

i gotta say, this is probably the best gcn vid i've ever seen! thanks so much guys for the entertainment, and special kudos to the editor on this one - fantastic work!

[@dorothyb.]

Being able to grasp that level of technicality in such a short space of time is amazing. Hank even managed that flight of steps!

[@ner30_dbk35]

That's what I thought. On first segment of the video they show him carrying mountain bike to top of the mountain. He had to mountain bike before maybe not competitive but recreational. He is picking up those lines and steep descent and you can see that he is having skill. You can't get that in couple of days of practicing

[@alexanderalderfalk7932]

Honestly. Hank killed it. Didn't even stop to check his cockpit after that huge slam in the qualy. Such a beast!

[@zeiss72]

Hank did an amazing job! He was shredding the trail and was proper racing with his arms on the handlebar at one point in time!! Big kudos!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@telepopepic]

One of the best challenges ever. Good footage, fun banter, great fun!

[@lostintransit5822]

Outstanding achievement, well done to both of you. When I started watching I didn’t think Hank would qualify for the main event. Hats off to you

[@garysmith7783]

This is the first video I've watched where I really wish there was a double-thumbs-up. Great job on a seriously brutal course.

[@legionbloodydan8427]

This might be the best video they have ever done👍 made for the perfect watch after hardline was cancelled,I always enjoy Gmbn Embn uploads but the production quality of this is on another level. Top class 👍

[@klausschneider9462]

Tremendous job by both presenters. Enjoyed this bromance so much. Hank is a beast on any bike and challenge! Fantastic coaching by Blake drove Hanks confidence to a level where he was believing he can finish it.

[@Rod.s_Channel]

This was epic! Such a joy to watch. Good job to everyone involved. But once again Hank survives the challenge! Next challenge, Red Bull Hardline anyone? 😆

[@andrewjones8456]

I've been waiting for this all week. Did the Mega for the first time this year as a 50 yr old.. Loved every minute. It was only last Sunday but seems so long ago already.... Can't wait until next year..🤟

[@nicolaspav]

Loved this video. Hank and Blake’s energy during the whole adventure out a smile on my face.

[@jamescleeton8440]

Put these two together you know it’s gonna be good - quality 👌

[@MtbTrailHub]

Brilliant video that captured the feel of the whole event! Hats of to Blake and Hank for being able to stick together in all that madness!

[@TorrentUK]

This has to go down as the best ever GMBN/GCN collabs! Outstanding achievement Hank!!

[@nicolasgonzalezgarcia4692]

Best collab yet. No doubt about it. Props to both of you, but specially Hank cuz he is the one with the nuts like coconuts

[@jeffmcarpenter]

Production quality off the charts! Sick video, such great chemistry between you two!

[@talos935]

After watching the colab on GCN at Castle Combe I want to know when Blake & Hank ate getting a spin off channel 😁 Definitely looking forward to more magic between the two of them

[@Greenfuego]

That was an epic story to watch! Congrats Blake and HANK! What a BROmance!

[@ShenShen777]

Next episode Hank joins GMBN

[@jamesc6255]

Love your videos. Always better with Blake in them

[@bedsidevenue5324]

Absolute legends! I always love seeing Blake on GCN and applaud, respect, and admire him as a person as a whole. Always taking on the ridiculous challenges the GCN presenters put him through with a smile! No surprise that it's Hank to take on this challenge either, being the fearless and amazing competitor he is lol. Much love and respect to you, Hank! The teamwork, the camaraderie, the perseverance, the sheer epicness of the race.. everything about video is legendary, so thank you so so much for this! And kudos boys!

[@kevinh4631]

NICE gents, Love the "stache" thing. "Team GMB-STACHIO". Hank CRUSHIEd this thing! Blake, hats off tto you for taking him along for an epic adventure only a few of us can only dream of accomplishing!

[@Jdwmaguire]

Glad to have Blake go over for the GCN racing and Hank returning a favour, well a HUGE favour doing this actually - what a massive challenge and they aced it. What a collab… you guys did great. Brilliant stuff!

[@stevet2711]

Hank and Blake are my two favorite riders! I watch them on both channels and it was awesome to see them together. Yes more!!

[@mark1webb956]

Epic. Respect to both Blake and Hank. How Hank stayed in one piece I'll never know. That crash was enormous. Glad you both came away relatively unscathed. One of the best "feature film" style videos GMBN have produced. Really enjoyed it.

[@mattschm5486]

Amazing the guy shouting I’m sorry while crashing

[@Meta-Drew]

1:35 What a cool perspective, I've watched this race from POV many times but to see the geography from above like that was much appreciated

[@leonbond9275]

Hank and Blake are THE BEST! [Insert your favourite expletive here] me, Hank - you absolutely nailed it.

[@Team81MTB]

Great job both of you. I've learned something here. The way Hank pedaled that bike has taught me to break out my road bike and do some serious training on it. We have roadies in my MTB series and their always at the front of the pack. Thanks for a great video guys. 👍

[@lwittrock1]

Hank, you are an excellent cyclist and they way you raced showed you talent! I remember back in 1986 crossing over to MTN from competing as a roadie and I fell in love with it! racing XC and just mountain biking has made me a much stronger cyclist because I never stopped racing as a roadie and I added triathlon a few years later, because I just love racing!

[@SergejGrabun]

This was amazing to watch. Hats of to Hank, what a legend. Coming to such an event, sending it like a boss through stuff. Amazing. Now... Call me whatever you want, but I will not believe that Hank doesn't do some MTB in local trail parks. No rider would be able to handle such terrain at speeds he did, the trust in grip, handling, all the gnarly rocks, steep roll ins. Maybe some video about how did Hank actually did so well for this? Cannot comprehend him sending like this just because he is good on Road bike, just can't. RESPECT the duo! Amazing

[@keflarjeoffrey]

So GCN realised they couldnt kill Hank with their challenges so they handed him over to blake, and even he can't crack him. Absolute legend Hank! Great vid

[@plepgeat]

Hank, Blake... you are legends, you are comrades, you are friends... you are MAGNIFICENT.

[@johnnydoe66]

Blake and Hank's attitudes and personalities are so similar when it comes to biking and challenges like this, you wouldn't know they aren't related. If Blake hadn't punctured, Hank and him would have finished sub 200 possibly. Awesome job!

[@iamJaski]

Omg, this was such a good video. Wonderfully done guys! Both James and Blake and the editing+shooting team. Bravi!👋

[@blackswanf4u]

Well done guys! Thanks for sharing the experience and production effort that went into all of this!

[@user-rh8oy3zq2n]

Hank, that ids the most impressive thing I have seen you do. You are a beast of a rider. That run was more exciting to watch than Formula One. I was waiting to exhale. Impressive. No one can ever give you a hard time ever.

[@alanmartinezrodriguez884]

The sharing of room, the mustaches, the lack of saddles in their bikes. I think Blake's and James's message is clear! It's ok guys! 🌈 😁

[@daskleineM]

This video was one of the best ones I have seen on this channel over the past year, thank you so much for your hard work, that was absolutely ridiculous

[@Spitfire8o5]

We need more of these videos!! Amazing job Hank. Happy Birthday Blake. Thank you for making the world of mountain bikes a better place and showing others just how much fun the sport is

[@lochness_sasquatch]

Wow! ❤What a phenomenal video and treat to watch! Hank the legend, I'm unbelievably impressed of how great a rider he is! Loving the bromance, both did absolutely amazing and actually completed the Mega Avalanche together! Cheers!🤘

[@eddierivera7803]

You guys rocked it! Hank has truly progressed a lot in a short time and is certainly a true Mountain Biker now.

[@mikeyr3129]

What a great collaboration- these two give 110% making this a must watch video - more like this please !

[@Evan-H]

Very cool to see the different aspects of the whole event, not just watch the top finishers do the main event like I usually watch. Awesome you both did it together til the end!

[@doggylover1958]

What a pair of ….. legends! The chemistry of a great mentor + one fearless and fast learner, and superb camera work to capture it all is simply superb. Well done guys. More like this (once the guys have recovered!) please.

[@jeffreyjones9532]

Well done! Epic effort Blake and Hank! Great video amazing shots and even scary sitting on my couch! Ride on Boys!!

[@CanyonWanderer]

That was a great video. I really enjoyed that! What a bro-combo and some (most) of that downhill was mega thrilling!

[@frankharradence732]

Amazing video, tense, exciting and with an excellent outcome.....well done GMBN and of course Hank and Blake

[@bigbail74]

WOW!!!! Well done lads, especially Hank.. That took some real stones!!! One of the best videos ive seen in ages..., drama, suspense and a bromance!!! PLEASE do more videos together!!

[@maetsuen]

That was really awesome from the both of you. Watching the entire video I checked if it was longer, I wanted it be longer. I didn't want the excitement to end. What a blast that was. Thanks for making this video. It's a perfect showcase of why I love, like and enjoy biking.

[@petertoth1632]

This was something special! Well done both of you guys, and whoever made the video! Appreciate your effort!👍

[@Professor_sckinnctn]

One of the best videos you've folks have ever done. THANKS!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Man, that was so much fun! Great job Hank, super impressive doesn't begin to describe what you did.

[@stephentulip8158]

I’ve been looking forward to this one. Incredible video. Well done Hank and Blake!

[@deedontworry]

Hank and Blake, what a team! 🔥🙌 It goes to show, even a roadie can do it! 😅🤘

[@samfletcher93]

Best video I've seen on this channel. The bromance and pure grit from you both shines through so much.

[@BFBMTb]

We all know how great blake is as a mtbr. But hank was impressive. He was doing some pretty gnarly lines. On top of that, he had the energy and longevity of a roadie that helped tremendously in this race. Props to both guys

[@ChrisGuarraia]

Can we just admire the editing/post-production at 17:29? Not admiring Hank's crash (but fair play for going hard, mate), but the effects the GMBN video crew has added in to give us a sense of being dazed after a crash. I really appreciate the attention to detail the GMBN and GCN production team have.

[@shaun7163]

What a video! The ride, the determination, the editing, the friendship, the music, just all of it. Inspiring, incredible stuff!