Among the most consistent talking points in the culture of heavy metal has long been the notion of community. Converging in the name of loud, aggressive, extreme art, the fans and appreciators of the craft have long held an unspoken bond - a familial link that has cemented a deeply-rooted kinship that is passed down from generation to generation.
Taking that concept of community and implementing real action, the Heavy Metal Truants have spent the last decade convening as a group of passionate metal heads wholly dedicated to not only their music but their mission - to raise funds and awareness for essential children's charities throughout the UK.
At its inception, the project began with the banner's now legendary annual 175-mile/nearly 300 kilometer cycle from London to the heavy metal ground zero of Castle Donington and Download festival in June. Since the project has evolved to include more intensive, lengthy rides as well as accompanying runs - all designed to pair a proper physical challenge with the reward of sweating it out for a more than worthy cause.
For the 2022 edition, the three-day ride begins at the historic Ally Pally culminating some with a triumphant ride into Donington Park for the premiere heavy music celebration that is Download Festival.
Along the way, riders experience the incredible landscape of London, taking in important destinations like the hallowed grounds of Knebworth House - a storied rock music venue that has been hosting concerts for more than forty years. With each kilometer tallied from London to Leicester to Donington, metal music's two-wheeled ambassadors generate crucially-needed funds for vitals services for various children's resources including Nordoff Robbins, Teenage Cancer, NSPCC and Save Children UK.
See the complete list of charities and funds allocated - HERE
Throughout the grueling, albeit rewarding ride, founder Alexander Milas and his team checked in with daily updates, recapping the first physical ride the group has had in two years. Having racked up nearly five million pounds during their tenure thus far, the Truants have established an ambitious goal of reaching their ten million mark and are well on their way. Given that last year alone the team raised a million alone, the goal is well within reach.
Check the series of updates from Alexander Milas and the Heavy Metal Truant team en route to the annual party at Donington and first full-scale Download Festival below.
Donate to the Heavy Metal Truants - HERE
DAY 1 - LONDON TO LUTON // APPROX. 69KM /42.8 MILES
DAY 2 - LUTON TO LEICESTER // APPROX. 146KM /90 MILES
DAY 3 - LEICESTER TO DONINGTON // APPROX. 40KM /25 MILES
