Virtual Event

27 May – 9 June 2023

Go the distance however you choose

  • Cycle

    using home exercise equipment or a personal bike

  • Run or Walk

    on treadmill or trail. You set your own pace

  • Custom Challenges

    Mountaineers and swimmers and rowers, oh my! Want to take on your own challenge? Contact us

Physical Event

6th – 8th June 2023

Join the road crew, cycling the full original challenge distance over 3 days

Click here for full details of the physical ride

OUR HISTORY

Since 2013 the Heavy Metal Truants have been breaking a sweat to raise funds for childrens’ charities in the name of heavy metal. Open to all, HMT has seen metal fans, bands, and industry types banding together to help raise over £1,2 Million both through charitable activities throughout the year like the Monster Rock Auction and our Heavy Metal Curries, but primarily through our traditional, now legendary annual 150-mile cycle from London to the hallowed heavy metal ground of Castle Donington and Download festival in June.

Covid-19 couldn’t stop us. 2020 the heartbreaking cancellation of Download Festival, so we came up with a virtual way of doing Heavy Metal Truants which also added walkers and runners into the mix from all over the world, as well as some epic stretch targets for those on two wheels. The spirit caught on, and it became our biggest event to date. In 2021 we did the same and smashed our first £1 million pound running total in the process. What’s next? We want to make ten. Our chosen charities have been hit hard by the pandemic – they need it, the kids need it, and so in our tenth year we’re going large with our first-ever hybrid physical and virtual event.

That’s because our chosen charities, who work so hard to support children and young people need our support now more than ever, so we call on all metalheads from around the world to join us in the name of heavy metal. Every year has had a theme or a nickname, and in our 10th year we’ve co-opted the immortal words of Monty Python in shouting “blessed are the cyclists, the runners, the charity fundraisers, and cheesemakers!”

HOW IT WORKS:

Between May 28th and June 10th we invite you to enter the annals of Heavy Metal Truants fame with challenges from cycling, walking, running, and more. We support both digital and physical challenges, and all proceeds from your fundraising will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, Childline, Nordoff Robbins and Save the Children: they’ve been devastated by these troubled times and they kept going, so we’re going to keep going to – join us. We’re not the messiahs, but we can make a difference.

Participation in the digital challenges is free: sign up, log into Strava, and get sweating once we’ve begun our challenge in May. Participation in the physical challenge – a three-day cycle to from London to Download Festival in June, costs £805 (starting with a £105 deposit.) 100% of this registration fee will go toward paying for all costs associated with the ride — things like food, hotels, medical and medical and mechanical support, and a hire bike if you need one. We’ll even throw in a ticket for the first day of Download because we’re nice like that.

Any questions? Read our FAQ! Otherwise, sign up today!

Cyclists

The Donington

175 miles // 280 km

The original crucible – the precise distance between London and Donington following our traditional route via some lovely countryside and pubs.

The Bomber

333 Miles // 536 km

A proper mission! In honour of Lemmy, who always loved a double.

The Ride of the Beast

666 miles // 1072 km

The ride of the Beast. Woe to you, who commits to this challenge.

The Trooper

1000 miles // 1610 km

The bugle sounds and the charge begins! A truly epic distance only to be undertaken if you’re truly in peak condition. 

Walkers and Runners

The Snaggler

35 miles // 56 km

Named after Motörhead’s Snaggletooth: walk, run, or hike your way into the annals of heavy metal history.

The Bomber

50 miles // 80 km

If you’re truly up for an epic challenge, then this distance: equivalent to the first leg of the HMT cycle to Donington, is epic as it gets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking part in a charity challenge is a big commitment and we want to make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s a round up of our most frequently asked questions.

Signing Up

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE?

We welcome people from all age groups. Participants have been aged between 18-70+ and have travelled from all corners of the globe to join us.

WHO TAKES PART?

Everyone who signs up for HMT charity challenges has two things in common – a love of metal and the desire to help those less fortunate. People from all walks of life take part which makes for an interesting and diverse group of fellow participants. Most people who sign up for the first time don’t know anyone else beforehand: by the end, you’ll be part of a brother and sisterhood that spans the globe!

HOW FIT AND HEALTHY DO I HAVE TO BE?

You will need to undertake regular physical training in the weeks leading up to the event. choose the level of challenge that you undertake. If 175 miles of cycling is enough of a challenge for you, then stick with it. If 1000 miles is more your speed, then good luck!! The idea is to push yourself and of course, push those donations.

HOW MANY PEOPLE TAKE PART?

For The Virtual Ride, there is no maximum limit- In 2020, our first Virtual ride had just under 400 people from over 35 countries taking part. We actively support you getting to know fellow riders through our social channels, and we’ll also host Livestreamed HMTV shows on Youtube for you to get to know us and of the larger characters involved and the all important charities.

Fundraising

Heavy Metal Truants was established in 2013 to fundraise for four charities who support services to children in the UK: Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, ChildLine/NSPCC, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Save the Children. All fundraising goes through The Truants Foundation and is split equally between the four charities.

WHAT FUNDRAISING HELP WILL I RECEIVE?

Raising funds is one of the toughest parts of a charity challenge. However, it is possible to reach and even exceed the sponsorship target as many participants have proved. Here on the Heavy Metal Truants’ website there are ideas to give you some inspiration. Our core of regular participants can also offer you their top tips.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T RAISE THE SPONSORSHIP MONEY?

For the virtual ride, there is no minimum level, but of course we hope you’ll raise as much as possible to support our children’s charities.

HOW MUCH OF THE MONEY I RAISE WILL DIRECTLY HELP THE CHARITY?

Physical – Charity challenges incur costs for travel, accommodation, food, staff etc., the registration fee contributes towards these costs, the balance is covered by your sponsorship funds unless you choose to cover the balance personally and all funds raised above this will go directly to support the four charities. 

For the Virtual event, there are no challenge costs incurred so 100% of your fundraising will reach the charities. 

WHAT IF MY SPONSORS THINK MY CHALLENGE IS A HOLIDAY?

The challenge of taking part starts months before departure due to the fundraising and
training involved. Once on the challenge the physical exertion of cycling long distances and being in the saddle for up to 8 hours a day is not to be under-estimated, particularly if you’re doing it around working hours as many of our HMTs do. The experience is often outside most people’s comfort zone. However, the personal satisfaction of overcoming these physical and emotional barriers and benefiting the charities we support is fantastic.