The Heavy Metal Truants have departed on the epic, perilous, strength-sapping 168-mile ride towards the north, Donington and Download Festival. You can keep track of our progress on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

So far the Truants have raised £232,000 for some very worth causes – Nordoff Robbins, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Childline — and this year we’re hoping to smash the ride target of £66,000. We’re already over halfway there, but there are still plenty of riders who need help with their individual totals, and it’s never too late to start contributing.

Truants Are Go!