Photo credit: John McMurtrie
What do you get when you mix a love of heavy metal and cycling? The result is The Heavy Metal Truants. The group of heavy metal-loving cyclists come from all corners of the world and their long-term funds total has surpassed over £1 million for British children’s charities such as Save The Children, Nordoff Robbins, Childline/NSPCC and Teenage Cancer Trust. Their latest challenge set over two weeks saw them cycling, running and walking 37,917 miles (the equivalent of the earth’s circumference) and smashing their £1 million target in twelve days.
The group which was founded in 2012 by Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood and ex-Metal Hammer magazine editor-in-chief Alexander Milas, has seen fans, musicians and entertainment executives take on the annual fundraising ride from London to Donington to coincide with Download Festival. Normally the 175-mile ride sees a group of 40 participants taking on the challenge, however due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 participants achieved the distance on local roads and cycling machines. This change made it a more accessible event, reaching riders worldwide and gaining the support of over 260 participants including walkers, runners and even Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson.
The Heavy Metal Truants have been announced as the official charity partner for the Download Pilot event taking place 18th – 20th June at Donington Park. “Download’s support for the Heavy Metal Truants from day one has been absolutely terrific and much appreciated. It’s especially important now given how hard these charities have been hit by the pandemic, we sincerely thank Andy and Melvyn for their incredible support. It’s all about the kids and these four amazing charities after all – that’s why we do it!,” comments Rod Smallwood. Whilst Heavy Metal Truants co-founder Alexander Milas adds: “The Heavy Metal Truants are a tremendous expression of our musical community. So many people – fans, artists, and indeed industry – have joined us or supported us over the years so hats, or indeed cycling helmets off to them. A million pounds isn’t the finish line for us – we are just getting started so watch this space!”
If you’d like to donate to The Heavy Metal Truants fundraiser, head HERE.
