Since 2013 The Heavy Metal Truants have completed the formidable cycle ride from London to Donnington on the Download Festival weekend in support of children’s charities.
Co-founder and ex-Metal Hammer Editor in Chief Alexander Milas said “We were heartbroken to see Download festival cancel, a decision which we of course fully support. We weren’t happy to sit on the side-lines either, particular when the needs of these charities are now greater than ever, so we got planning – this is the metal way“.
Milas along with co-founder Iron Maiden Manager Rod Smallwood decided that whilst this year the ride to Download Festival couldn’t go ahead as normal, this would be a great opportunity to get more people involved then ever by taking the ride virtual!
This year riders are able to use exercise bikes, trainers, hand bikes, or actual bikes and will have between June 1st to June 12th to complete 175 miles. Technically you can use anything that you can pedal which can be tracked with the Strava mileage logging app.
Registration is free! You can sign up on The Heavy Metal Truants website here: https://heavymetaltruants.com/
This year the ride will be in sponsorship of Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins, Childline and new this year Save The Children. To date The Heavy Metal Truants have raised over £681,500 through this bike ride as well as events and memorabilia auctions.
“Metal is all about community,” says co-founder Smallwood. “Today we’re calling on that community to help the most vulnerable in the name of metal and these incredible children’s charities. On yer bikes!“
If you are unable to join the ride but still wish to donate please visit the following link : https://my.race-nation.co.uk/sponsorship/entry/315440-
