The Heavy Metal Truants have announced their eighth annual fundraising bike ride will take place virtually this year. The event usually takes place from London to Castle Donington, stretching 175 miles to reach their final destination at Download Festival.
“We were heartbroken to see Download Festival cancel, a decision which we of course fully support,” says Heavy Metal Truants co-founder Alexander Milas. “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.”
The Heavy Metal Truants was founded in 2013 by ex-Metal Hammer Editor in Chief Alexander Milas and Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, to raise money for children’s charities through events, memorabilia auctions and their annual charity cycle ride from London to Download Festival. To date, the Heavy Metal Truants have raised £681,500 for Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins and Childline. This year welcomes the addition of Save The Children as an international charity beneficiary.
Due to the nature of this year’s event, registration will be free and open to all who want to take part. The Truants have already confirmed that Thunder‘s Luke Morley will join the virtual ride and expect more to come.
“Metal is all about community,” adds co-founder Rod Smallwood. “Today we’re calling on that community to help the most vulnerable among in the name of metal and these four incredible children’s charities. On yer bikes!”
Those taking part will have from 1st-12th June 2020 to complete at least 175 miles on bikes, trainers, hand bikes or simple exercise bikes. All miles must be logged on free app Strava and all riders must enter via the Heavy Metal Truants website HERE in order to raise money. You can also donate HERE.
Download TV also launches through the festival’s social channels (including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube) across 12th-14th June 2020, bringing special interviews, unseen performances, exclusive footage and much more. The full line-up will be announced soon, focused on some of the acts due to play at Download Festival 2020.
