Leading figures from the world of rock and metal will cycle 164 miles from London’s Alexandra Palace to the Donnington Download Festival to raise money for charities that aid children and young people.
With 50 participants set to complete the journey between June 7-9, the Heavy Metal Truants bike ride is now in its fifth year and has raised £338,000 to date. Co-founded in 2012 by former Metal Hammer editor-in-chief and Twin V founder Alexander Milas and Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood.
According to Milas, the initiative is a great way of raising funds and awareness around such charities as Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline and Nordoff Robbins.
"The ride of the Heavy Metal Truants from London to Download, the spiritual metal homeland of Donington is the essence of metal because everyone is welcome," Milas told Music Week. "Every walk of life comes along, from lifelong fans to industry movers and shakers to bands - and we've had members of Paradise Lost, Trivium, Amon Amarth, Orange Goblin and more join us over the years, not to mention Rod Smallwood himself who's an inspiring presence as we endure the hills and the heat. That's nothing compared with the work our chosen charities do every day, so if you're planning on donating please dig deep."
An annual raffle and rock memorabilia auction - the Monster Rock Auction – will also be held on June 6 at 6pm. The first lot will include high-end items from Metallica, Bon Jovi, The Who, Rush, the Beatles, and the Grateful Dead among others.
For more info or to donate, visit www.heavymetaltruants.com.
