Heavy Metal Truants take to the road again

“How are you planning on getting up to Donnington this year?”

This question was asked five years ago when Iron Maiden Manager Rod Smallwood’s charity cycle ride became a major new challenge, as he and Alexander Milas discussed how they would reach Download Festival.

Rather than drive and get stuck in traffic, they decided to get on their bikes and do some good for three chosen charities – Nordoff Robbins, Childline and the Teenage Cancer Trust – coming together to raise money and improve the lives of children and young people.

And thus the Heavy Metal Truants were born.

Five years later and the Heavy Metal Truants have raised over £300,000.

2017’s ride to Donnington started this morning at Alexandra Palace in London, with the 163-mile ride itself being organised by Classic Challenge.

It was a windy Wednesday morning, but the riders weren’t merely ‘ready’. They were eager. With a hunger for glory that was too strong to be dampened by the rain of the past few days. It wasn’t thunder, it was a drum roll from the rock gods to send them on their way.

With a surprise appearance from Brian Blessed to wave the chequered flag as they set off, the army of rockers rolled out of London and north towards Download Festival, with our thanks and our salutes.

Find out more about the Heavy Metal Truants, and show your support on their website.

This year they also have a charity single with the Lounge Kittens, performing the Queen classic Bicycle Race, to raise even more for the three charities. You can get your copy here.