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Bike Vessel

@bikevessel

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@ericdseals explores Black health disparities through lens of his father, who almost died after 3 open-heart surgeries. Now available on @pbs

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MISSION COMPLETE.

The second journey from St. Louis to Chicago. 350 miles in 4 days.

A celebration of the continued mission of better health through cycling with Donnie and Eric, this time powered by incredible community and love.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the riders, volunteers, crew, and supporters. This literally could not have happened without any of you. We can’t forget that this idea initially came to be as a testament to Donnie’s dedication to riding…five years after the first journey, he has now been cycling for an entire decade! 🎉🙌🏾

📷: @timothymschmidt taken in Oakwood Beach by @bikevessel

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a month ago

DAY 4 // Final stretch. Joliet to Chicago. 66 miles. No more country roads, but back to trails and some busier streets that some of our riders were familiar with. This day had it’s fair share of setbacks too... From another flat tire, downed trees, and a stalled train, we were a bit behind schedule for our anticipated Chicago finish.

📷 @timothymschmidt by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 03 // This group is the definition of true GRIT. The day was nothing short of obstacles, big and small. Donnie got a celebratory brew on arrival. Next up: rest, dinner, and prep for the final day on the road.

📷 @timothymschmidt by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 03 // Views from the road. Based on the morning briefing, headwinds up to 20mph were expected on this century ride from Bloomington to Joliet. With open roads, strategy was key, so the group developed a rotation with drafting to save energy.

Photography @timothymschmidt by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 02 // Arrival in Bloomington. 76 miles. ✔️

📷: @timothymschmidt taken in Bloomington, Illinois by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 02 // En Route to Bloomington. Rest stops and reenergizing never felt so good. We coordinated a catered lunch for the group along the route. For everything else, the stash in our SAG vehicles saved the day. by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 02 // After riding 107 miles the day before, prep and smiles for Springfield to Bloomington.

📷 @timothymschmidt by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 01 // Views from the road. Familiar sights for Eric and Donnie on this route from St. Louis to Springfield, with the group putting all their training to the test.

Before you ask, there were indeed a few flat tires (Yes, including Eric 😅), but we were more than prepared this time around.

Photos: @timothymschmidt @ericdseals by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 01 // Leaving St. Louis.

Obligatory group photo before beginning the 110mile ride to Springfield.

Incredible to have nearly 20 riders joining Eric and Donnie on this courageous journey that took place almost exactly 5 years ago, celebrating a commitment to health through cycling.

Special thanks to @regulatorscyclingclub for the escort out of St. Louis!

Photography by the one and only @timothymschmidt taken in St. Louis, Missouri by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

DAY 00 // The time is finally here…AGAIN!

Eric, Donnie, and a courageous group of riders from all over the country have made their way down to St. Louis. We’re finally back to where it all started... Facing 350 miles from St. Louis to Chicago.

After months of training, preparation, emails, and calls, riders and volunteers are finally in person getting registration, gear, and other prep finalized. Happy to have y’all back to witness the journey.

Icing on the cake this time around: This Bike Vessel 2026 Ride is an official @usroute66centennial event. Trust and believe we are fully stocked with nutrition/energy for the ride... especially pickle juice. Let’s GO! by @bikevessel

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2 months ago

This week I had the opportunity to bring Bike Vessel back to the Chicago International Film Festival for a special community screening.

The Chicago International Film Festival was always the dream festival for this film. From the beginning, I hoped Bike Vessel would be part of its lineup. To have our world premiere there in 2023 and return this week for another screening was a meaningful full circle moment.

It also took me back to July 10, 2023, when I got to share the news with my dad that our film had been accepted into the festival. After spending years making this documentary together, it's great to have the opportunity to celebrate it.

Thank you to everyone who came out, asked thoughtful questions, and shared your own stories after the screening. Those conversations are one of my favorite parts of documentary filmmaking.

I’m incredibly grateful to @yes_itsnatasha, @viviantang, the team at @chifilmfest , @chicagodcase , @independentlens , @kartemquin and PBS for believing in Bike Vessel and continuing to support independent documentary storytelling.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch Bike Vessel, it’s currently streaming nationwide for free on PBS through Independent Lens.

📸 Photo credit: @purplephotoco taken in Chicago Cultural Center by @bikevessel

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3 months ago

📣 We’re building the team behind something bigger than a ride. This summer, we’re bringing a 4-day, 350-mile documentary ride experience from St. Louis to Chicago to life.

20 riders. Real stories. Real health journeys. Real transformation.

And we need YOU.

We’re looking for volunteers to join the movement:
• Ride Support (SAG)
• Media & Production
• Event Coordination
• Hospitality Team
• Setup & Breakdown

This isn’t just an event. It’s a story of resilience, faith, and what’s possible when people take control of their health. Inspired by a father and son’s journey after multiple heart surgeries, this ride represents something deeper: the power of movement to save lives.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something meaningful, this is it.

DM us or email us at info@bikevessel.com

#BikeVessel #RideTheStory #BlackHealthMatters #CyclingCommunity #VolunteerOpportunity by @bikevessel

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6 months ago