Is This The World's Fastest Group Ride?

[@gcn]

Would you love to ride with Donny ChainGang? 😍

[@jle92708]

if you love pain 😅

[@Steven_db]

No

[@40yearoldskater4]

I would struggle but I spent a lot of time in Donny Rossington and Tickhill ,nice wee Village .

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

Absolutely NOT 🤣

[@Nehpets1701G]

No thanks 😮 I actually love the competitive attitude, but I lack the speed and grit to make the most of it tbh.

[@SofiaLöf]

So nice to have an episode about an aspect of cycling culture that is more than just an advert for a product. Cheers Hank!

[@leggodeuces]

yeah i really appreciate it when GCN make videos like these, really entertaining

[@essex__rider]

10:53 Boardman rim brake guy smashing it! 👊

[@a1white]

Yeah that’s what I enjoyed seeing. The variety of normal bikes, including ones with mudguards, amongst the super expensive ones.

[@sszibler]

@@a1whiteThat’s the one I wanted to see a closeup of. Couldn’t tell what the black one with fenders was!

[@wayneheaton7020]

Well done GCN for supporting grass roots cycling

[@HKRoad]

I think you should send Hank around the country (world?) to try out club rides. Would be good to see what people are up to and hear the history. Would like more of this.

[@gcn]

First stop: Antarctica!

[@m.herdim4461]

Why not try Indonesia, Guys ? :)

[@HKRoad]

@ the cost of travel for one

[@dominickbrookes5103]

New series. Fastest local ride/riders. Good opportunity to engage with your viewers

[@cycleonSK]

What about not just fastest? Just a series of beautiful / fast / fun group rides throughout UK /EU featuring a GCN presenter? That would be amazing.

[@TheSlowoldman]

@@cycleonSK Should come over to the States too, we have some great rides.... especially in Southern California.

[@seansims8805]

What about life long committed Uber fans hidden about society 🤔

[@AndySymons]

It's like a parody of the 'Four Yorkshiremen' sketch, but on bikes. "It's reet cold, but only southern wusses wear gloves. Isn't that so, Arkwright?" "Ay, me finger's just dropped off with frostbite, but I didn't stop to pick it up, not on the Donny chaingang."

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

You were lucky..

[@mej6519]

frostbite?, luxury.

[@bejo-108]

Aye those were the days. Luxury.

[@kennethward9530]

We had a ride leader in Michigan would ride fingerless wool gloves in sub zero weather (sub zero American style-Michigan almost as cold as Canada) . But he was, as we said, numb from the neck up, so it didn't matter.

[@jameshmd]

What, only your fingers?!… that’s Luxury. All my fingers, four of my toes and my nose all fell off with frostbite.

[@grantlingley1385]

That was so much fun to see the group going at it! The weather, the roads, the bunch, and yea the coffee! LOL! Thanks for posting this for us!

[@dougjohnstone4482]

Worlds Fastest Group Rides, sounds like a great series to do. I nominate the NOW ride out of Santa Monica, Ca.

[@gordonbarnes8229]

Great Video - clever to film it! Russel Downing - legend! Anyone watched ex Leeds Chain Gang? I used to join in & try to hang on as long as possible - sometimes as many as 40 riders including TDF riders like Albert Hitchin & Bernarde Burns, Barry Hoban used to join in during his winter off season b reak. Great schooling for knowing how to ride in a group, follow wheels, shelter from the wind etc. Sprint for the 30 sign at lawnswood north side of Leeds at the end!

[@johnstrac]

Our local (Grimsby) group ride was often harder than the (Vets) races we used to do, it's a great way to get fit. Ridden with Russ a time or two as well, top bloke.

[@1ongava]

I'm glad this still exists. Chain gangs are the best. You can keep your Zwift bollix

[@alastair7399]

Worked with a lad who rode this and told me about a Downing who rode from Lincolnshire did this and then back, I assumed he was talking nonsense until this video. Well done Hank it’s one of those legendary groups…and I’m sure will benefit from your promotion

[@finishLineRT]

It was Jo Tindley when SHE was training for the Tour of Britain, she rode out from Lincoln to do the chain gang and rode back to Lincoln afterwards

[@yorkshireman4609]

Russ when he lived over Grimsby way, used to do this from time to time.

[@alastair7399]

@@yorkshireman4609 that’s the one he told me about. We looked at the route together. I think he asked how he could get better and was told “ride your bike more”😀

[@alastair7399]

@@finishLineRT Amazing having the mental fortitude to do the chaingang and then RIDE back! Legs must have so sore!

[@iancrichton]

I used to love my local chain gang. Great bunch of guys, a good mix of fitness and one goal of just taking your turn on the front and getting it done. Happy days.

[@yorkshireman4609]

The Donny Chain gang has been the staple for riders in our area for many, many years. Originally on a Saturday afternoon to accommodate those that worked Saturday mornings, you'd have pros and top local lads out for a few hours in the morning before all coming together for a social ride out, to the start of the through and off section. If you had a mechanical before the through and off, everyone would stop. If it had started, then you were on your own. You'd also be absolutely lambasted for rocking up on your best bike at this time of year. Winter hacks with full mudguards from October to April.

[@derickcastillo9083]

I used to love group rides back in the day! Having 70 or more people going as hard as they can for 100 miles. Great video! You have rain, we have wind, altitude and mountains. I guess every area has its own challenges.

[@letoatreides5165]

Wind altitude and mountains sound like amazing place, not like a challenge😂

[@derickcastillo9083]

@@letoatreides5165 😁

[@ariffau]

This is what James is made for! More videos like this please. I also enjoyed the video at Berlin with Alec Briggs. Five star content!

[@CazzaJen]

Loved this and interesting to hear from Russ Downing about his career . Thanks GCN and Hank ❤

[@ramsden35]

How many egos popping off on here. “Err this isn’t fast” or “ours is faster” haha. Calm down, you’re just riding a bike. That’s the problem with cycling groups “way too much ego”.

[@Bluesman2509]

Exactly, they're not bloody pros!

[@ianross5019]

Agreed. Think it’s easy? Pop along and show them!

[@SamTheEagle1]

@@Bluesman2509did ya watch T video? Plenty of pros in the Donny Chaingang.

[@mikewood9514]

Hahahaha.true. find one or 2 cool guys and ride with them...even better...ride alone.

[@DMurdock]

It's just bants, mate. It's not that serious.

[@coachg4810]

That's brilliant, Russ is a legend of the British race scene, was lucky enough to meet him in Glasgow at the Commies in 2014, had a nice little chat, cracking bloke. Well done Hank, still got the legs! 🙂

[@veloman59]

Donny chain gang is the legend that makes champions and future champions. 😁

[@matthewbaynham6286]

This is the first GCN video I've seen where there is focus on cycling clubs. If you look at all other GCN videos it looks like the cycling clubs in the UK are all dead. About 30 years ago I was a member of Bristol South Cycling Club and the only reason I joined was to be able to do RTTC events. But Bristol South CC has some good Sunday rides that were always fun. I'll always remember the club meeting when I joined and they used this funny wooden hammer in the meeting, it was a very old school club.

[@deadlift8551]

Connor Dunn was all lined up to come out with Salt and Sham a few years back, but bad weather meant it got postponed- shame.

[@scottwatson7844]

GCN didn’t want to get embarrassed so they sent there top man. Well done Hank 💪

[@Dan-C-N]

@2:05 Nice to see a SPD cleat within Donny Chain Gang! :D

[@H457ur]

Real social cyclists wear SPDs.

[@newttella1043]

Sensible.

[@julianallen515]

SPD-SLs are the most popular road cleat in the world. Or did you mean MTB SPD?

[@Pabbilabbi]

My Saturday group is more designed for safety in numbers and duration rather than speed. Over time this group has dragged me into the distance and now I do not think much of doing an Imperial Iowa gravel century ride. This has transferred strength towards my XC skiing where I will do 2 half's plus one full XC ski marathon on a long weekend during peak ski season 😊

[@julianallen515]

To be fair most cycling clubs have a fast group/chain gang and a separate more casual no drop ride. Sadly, there are fewer clubs out teaching these skills most new riders buy all the gear and ride hard without taking time or effort to learning to ride safely and effectively in a group.

[@Pabbilabbi]

@@julianallen515 515 hás DSM flavor to it 😊

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Lord of the manor ❤

[@jasondunn5410]

Loved this, really great film. What a tough ride, well done Hank. And riding in that weather at that pace takes some nerve!! I'd be petrified, not that I could keep up!!

[@jaygee434]

Chain gang rides are definitely a great way to introduce anyone interested in racing road to the team side of things with racing :) Only negative to group rides is that one person in a large vehicle who can't wait a minute

[@kisilvan]

Thanks for a trip down memory lane. Used to go out sometimes with them back in the late 80s and 90s when I raced. Often stopped at the Blyth cycling cafe for a feed and a cuppa. Cafe closed now I believe. Great memories

[@gcn]

Very cool!

[@tristramcharnley2581]

Nice to see Jo Tindley. She used to be a regular on our Performance Cycles group rides. 💪

[@julianallen515]

Thank you. I recognized Jo but couldn't remember her last name.

[@mustafasamater4686]

I out of breath just by watching 👀 these champions 🏆

[@peteT269]

The hardest group rides I ever did were in Canberra. Bakery Bunch, Hour of Power, Hour of Terror... Not sure how they compete with this one, but they were definitely tough.

[@stevenbird1431]

Great episode!! That looked pretty hardcore💪🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏼‍♂️💨💨💨💨💨

[@robertlight2370]

The fastest chain gang I know of is the Pappas ride in Perth, Australia. All the local world tour riders turn up for it, and the local hitters, and it's really quick. However, it's only once a year - on Boxing Day - so it's a bit of a special event. It even gets a big crowd of local riders watching it.

[@jamiedutton1711]

There is no group ride in the world faster than Boxing day papas

[@sweatyfootenjoyer]

Papas ride is crazy fast but peak Hell Ride in Melbourne was faster. Unfortunately there were a few fatalities so it's a little bit less popular now.

[@Rob6020]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKDZnKd3p85gpq8si=yOQteqF-RJSh25kD A bunch ride that brings out the crowds.

[@hedleykerr3564]

Hank on unbranded bike with no water bottles?

[@apictorialguidetothemalver7334]

A very refreshing and inspiring video. Thanks Carl

[@andyrobinson1237]

The chaingang (Saturday & Tuesday) was absolutely mega. Tbh Tuesday was the harder ride I’d say. I’m too old, slow & far away to ride these anymore. Great times though.

[@EagleRC1923]

Absolutely brilliant I have been on a Bogglehole with that lot and it’s brutal. The land of Wayne Randle

[@yorkshireman4609]

Ouch. That would have been brutal

[@yorkshireman4609]

The Donny Chain gang has been the staple for riders in our area for many, many years. Originally on a Saturday afternoon to accommodate those that worked Saturday mornings, you'd have pros and top local lads out for a few hours in the morning before all coming together for a social ride out, to the start of the through and off section. If you had a mechanical before the through and off, everyone would stop. If it had started, then you were on your own. You'd also be absolutely lambasted for rocking up on your best bike at this time of year. Winter hacks with full mudguards from October to April.

[@neildavies4837]

Great video. Looks more like a race than a synchronised chain gain. Mentioned at the end when they get organised then they really roll - was hoping to see that

[@JosephREkins]

Enjoying this from sunny Calabasas CA . You folks are hardcore . Fun ride !

[@matthewjam3s]

More videos like this please.

[@davidroggiero4203]

Enjoyed the video, similar concept to the ‘Frankston Express’ out of Melbourne Australia. Been going for at least 30 plus years now.

[@gcn]

Maybe we should send someone along!

[@MarriedWithBackpacks]

I think this exists in every country. In Belgium there is one too. When I raced I use to join them to get some speed training in. Always good fun. They did a 10km tour, so you could drop, catch your breath and pick back. Good times

[@9psi]

The Hell ride?

[@mattdowney6540]

@@9psiSame ride I reckon. It was the Express when I started in the early 90s. Became known as the Hell Ride some time after that.

[@davidroggiero4203]

@@gcnwould be great to see Hank or Ollie in Oz doing a few videos. One which is a must would be the Melburn Roobaix (hell of the Northcoat), concept is Paris Roubaix, last Sunday in June. It’s a mass participation event, 1000 plus starters, not a race, prizes pulled out of a barrel. Your given a map, 4 hours to finish 40km. I’ll send you further details via email.

[@cruachan1191]

This looks like a great ride for summer for the whole GCN crew to find out who's fastest, fill the new team bus

[@RocketRuss]

Some might say (I SAY) it's very important to include regular group rides (especially for the youngsters) to learn pack riding etiquette & skills. Moreover, a physioball to develop equilibrium + riding rollers. 'NUFF SAID!

[@icedbannanas]

Love this content, more content about grassroots cycling around the UK (and the world!)

[@robertwevans84]

Nice one Hank. Great insight to club rides.

[@bivani]

Great video enjoyed it very much. Thank you GCN. We also have a similar (no pro attending though!) ride in Toronto Canada on Thursdays called The B1 Hammer ride Forza! 😊

[@gcn]

Sounds great, keep it up! We could go for a ride together someday!

[@chokehanson1830]

Used to ride a North East chaingang that was/is known as The Blind back back when I raced. There were regularly a couple of GB national squad riders who turned out & you'd always get a great workout regardless. The pace started off steady then there was a point on the circuit where it was heads down & give it the full knackers. The pace was brutal, I've ridden easier races, but it was the best bang for your buck return on any training. It still goes out by all accounts but my fitness levels have long since packed up & called it a day. Maybe that's reason enough to try it again sometime.

[@jameskresge9680]

This is great. One of the best GCN vids

[@mstrasser]

would love to do this one day. all big up to the rider at 3:30 in white socks and white s-phyres on what clearly is a rainy road lol respect.

[@TESTA-CC]

That Cycling Spirit 🤙🤙Keeps You Young at Heart. Well Done Everyone 👍👍

[@Z-u-m-a]

'North of the UK' - crikey Hank, barely out of the midlands. Am even further north and still an hour south of Scotland. Glad you survived your time with the wildlings, good effort :)

[@Chris-xv2gm]

👍

[@philadams9254]

Calm down. I think he meant north of England

[@a1white]

North of England. Doncaster is definitely classed as north of England.

[@eleycki]

Anything up from the M4 is North!

[@julianallen515]

Great video, you can't underestimate the importance of learning these riding skills or the role cycling clubs have in teaching these. So many sketchy riders out there nowadays with all the gear but no idea. Any news on Russ' brother Dean? Does he still turn up for the chain gang at all? Would like to know woh the second Ineos rider was in the video. Cheers Guys for the great content.

[@MrOvershoot]

At first I thought bloody hell that's a long ride to finish in Blyth in Northumberland, which is proper North of England! Then I remembered there is a Blyth in Nottinghamshire East Midlands 😂

[@benhoward4294]

Always enjoy your posts Hank. Hope you didn’t get a nose bleed here up north.

[@Habana1114]

We have probably one of the fastest peloton here in Paris that can reach 47 km/h of average speed and 60 km/h top speeds ! We have an oval circuit called "Longchamp", it's approximately 3 km long and mostly flat. Specially in summer a super fast peloton forms every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm, everybody can jump in to that peloton and try to survive as long as they can and take relays.

[@cb6866]

Thanks JLW , Russ , and crew . Be well , eh ?

[@sportman123-0z4]

Soooooo........ What was your average speed for the ride? We all wana know. 😊

[@simakp1]

You see, they are not saying. Maybe around 28 km/h? 😜

[@espertron]

@@simakp1 During the through and off sections they were averaging 45kmph according to Russ. They didn't say what they were averaging over the other sections but it didn't look slow!

[@chezzaz]

This has given me an idea for a great video. I’m sure there are some great group rides out there but I love watching some of the group rides with Safa Brian and his gang in the mountains of California. This would be a great video where the Donny Chain gang head over to the USA to ride with that group and then get that group to come and do a ride in the UK with the Donny Chain Gang. Thoughts???

[@trevejenkyn9888]

Its what a good group ride is all around the world

[@sampetty5768]

If anyone from GCN is ever in Christchurch NZ, give Tuesday Worlds a go! December and January has the highest quality

[@flamesdivde]

Gone from Ollie being dropped to dropping Ollie’s name

[@gcn]

😂

[@CazzaJen]

Awww we love Ollie and isn't he from Donny???

[@OllieBridgewood]

@@CazzaJenyep

[@jeremykemp3782]

Just awesome

[@rickrichardson1141]

This was good stuff🫡

[@HuntShootOffroad]

We have PBL in Brisbane Qld. 80km 40kph+ average one stop in the middle, rolling turns, great pedal smasher.

[@thefrener794]

These kind of rides is how I got all my cycling knowledge.

[@Dcully]

A lot of big Ego`s in there.

[@Patch1815]

Our group’s motto “non potes bonum, vide bonum!” If you can’t be fast look good. 😂

[@mitch_smith]

this is a super cool story. This pushes the bug!

[@tjadams9112]

Looks like a great group, I live for my local Tuesday smash fest.

[@edudutra]

What about a whole series of Hank chasing the fastest group ride in the world?

[@MrErtugerdem]

lord of manor back to stage

[@guyelliott1286]

Russ Downing a fabulous rider and it was a great shame he did not stay longer with Sky. Mr Lincoln GP. And a top bloke.

[@bejo-108]

"We don't wear gloves"....."We lived in a paper bag in the middle of the road. Aye those were the days. You tell that to the kids today, they don't believe you..." LOL

[@John-r9x5h]

You had a paper bag!

[@tigerE10]

@@John-r9x5h Monty Python still lives. This thread should be comment of the week.

[@simontimmins460]

You really need to come and try the Malvern Cycle sport chain gang on tuesday nights from April to October. Far less traffic and more country roads than the Donny CG by the look of this video. 43 km , A group has 2 former TT age group World champions. A group average speed over the MCS CG is 40-41 kmh. It’s a phenomenal CG.

[@supermanlover2471]

This video really makes me want to do group rides so bad, however I can’t seem to get my fitness to a level where group rides are achievable. 😂

[@Timbo777LR]

Great video! I’m in the States, Florida, and would love to visit, where exactly does the Donny Chain Gang ride start/finish, how many km and at what pace? We have club rides here in central Florida (Sebring if you look at a map) which are around 40 miles, 64km, at around 20mph/32kph. It’s pretty flat here but hot in the summer, and sometimes windy in the winter, usually dry roads, very little rain here in the mornings. On Sunday mornings we’ll go 100km. If you GCN guys want to come over and join us in the winter, just book a flight to Orlando and I’ll pick you up at the airport. We ride 5 mornings a week so you’ll get lots of miles if you can stay a week.

[@GK-zr9cq]

Try the Girona Wednesday Worlds in the summer. 75km, 3 climbs of 5-10mins each, you need over 6Wkg for each hill to get round. Plenty of pros turn up and they are another level.

[@juanpique7417]

Connor Swift pointing out his off-season belly and 80% of people watching wishing their stomach would look like that at their peak

[@BP-iz2lt]

well this is a MAMIL channel, nobody here has any hair on their legs

[@timcollins340]

I used to live in Bawtry in the late 80s, and was regularly intimidated by the Donny chain gang when i was out on my bike on a Saturday. No, I never had any ambition to join in!

[@sweatyfootenjoyer]

Gotta try the Pappas ride in Perth, or the Hell Ride in Melbourne.

[@leedorney]

I used to love riding 10ml to a 'chainy' 'bout 10 ml there, and back 😎 a nice 3hr with a hard middle bit 👌 used to have a few I could do, Bickerstaffe, pros on that 1, coasting 30mph lovely or the more regular locals 👍

[@timetrialman59]

Forgot the Hertiage Ride on Tuesday Nights in the dark, with just a few street lights, total darkness to 4 corners and 1 twisty. 1 year we average for 1 hour 36mph, Discovery Team and LA Sheriffs teams Steve Hegg- even some guy with LA initials? gold medals and Mark Whitehead gold medals olympics other guys with World titles, were there, awesome! Main comment was we are nuts!

[@Touringtim]

Fantastic, some very familiar faces in there.

[@BobK58]

My wife and I are the world's slowest group. Anyone can keep up with us.

[@gcn]

Sounds like a challenge for Ollie, keep it up!

[@dougjohnstone4482]

I would probably get dropped.

[@Faustoverdenova]

I just ate after my Shootout/ChainGang.. they ride there, we ride here, we all find our limits together.

[@stuartwalker6409]

I know hank is gonna be busy but I expect him to be on both channels regularly 🙂

[@Andy-5339]

Great to see an Ashfield RC jersey.

[@PatrickWarren-b4i]

Top one this. Great work.

[@bobbafett1971]

Id be happy just keeping up with this group

[@Outsideville]

3:12 Every man for himself. No waiting for stragglers. We don't stop for flats. So, same as every "no-drop" ride at least they admit it.

[@LouieBaLLz]

No point in even calling it a "Group Ride". Better off just riding alone if your mates are going to leave you stranded.

[@robertmuckle2985]

@@LouieBaLLz "Chaingang" rides aren't "Group rides"...they're a pissing contest. And riding alone will NEVER get you working your threshholds the way this does. Hey, it ain't for everyone, but when you survive, the experience can carry you right through to the next one!

[@StopTheRot]

They’re not ‘group rides’. They’re race prep, and a chance to chew the stem in a way that the risk of being dropped makes you do.

[@julianallen515]

@@LouieBaLLz And as long as you pay attention you know this going in. There's no pretence and it's on you if you think they'll wait.

[@10shed]

Really enjoyed it. There’s clearly the passion bordering on sentimental and definitely a touch of nostalgia given its history. But times are changing. It’s also for the elites of the sport; even the youngsters would have to be top notch prospects to stay up with these guys. With all the science now shaping how riders train ‘chain gangs’ are disappearing but the support from being with others, the social aspects, shouldn’t be forgotten or underestimated. Cycling has to be one of the very few sports where the top pros turn out with the rank amateurs and enthusiasts. Has anyone seen Salah kicking the ball in the park? Cycling remains unique.

[@migueltovar9702]

Come to Santa Cruz, CA come check out Sundays rides!

[@gcn]

ook but how good is the coffee?

[@jasonbucher5622]

Used to have the 'Tuesday Nighter' here in Austin, TX - my crew got gapped/dropped at 45mph on lap 2 on a section of rollers. Was a hella fast group ride

[@rogerfulgham3941]

Amazing 😊

[@markellison4875]

Fairplay, looks brutal.

[@davidwomack8090]

Gutted couldn't make it, luv old James so enthusiastic

[@marcelsow5817]

13:33 Hanks split moment of fear of crashing into the lady. Yes, the camera caught it. Yes, it would have been a rookie mistake by a seasoned vet. 😂

[@melibaut]

Fun and interesting video!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joelnoden1]

Great video! Would love to see GCN cover the Conwy Valley chaingang which is equally as brutal!

[@escgoogle3865]

To CYCLISTS, this hill is, DANGEROUS.

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

That brake noise is something

[@lukewalker1051]

As an American, it was great to watch. Nice job Hank as always and to Russ who still has the 'spark'. One of the interesting things I have learned competing in different sports is, you just can't pick the best or fastest guy, or girl, out of a line up. Most Americans are from European ancestry and when we watch, we feel kinship.