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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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about 2 weeks ago i biked 350 miles across the entire state of illinois, from St. Louis to Chicago with a group of nearly 20 cyclists.

Last year the farthest i’d ever biked was 30 miles with Black Trans Bike Experience. Undertaking an effort like this was unfathomable to me a year ago. Here I am on the other side of it. And now that i know i am capable of training consistently, waking up and getting to it even when i don’t want to, that i can ride 100 miles on zero sleep (won’t be making this a habit) and push myself past the limits of what i know?? i feel so powerful and unstoppable and strong!

So many people made this ride possible, though I am most appreciative of my friend and riding partner Jemila <33 She is the one who asked me to join her on this ride, and even though we ultimately were not able to ride together because she broke her entire foot weeks before our ride, after having trained all summer 😭 This woman is literally the most active person I know, I’m so incredibly grateful for her having expanded my realm of possibility when it comes to my body and cycling. She’s such an inspiration to me.

Thank you to everyone who donated and supported us!! Thank you Bike Vessel!!! Thank you Donnie, Eric, Laura, Curtis, Chris, Steve, Rob, Karie, Rich for putting this on, bringing me in, and hauling me to the finish!! Thank you Last Stop Bike Shop, The Monthly Cycle, Big Shark for the awesome jerseys! Charlie for the gear I will use this computer and radar forever! Pacia and Jay-Marie, Tori, Giovanni, Fatima, Emily, Pamela, Chantal, Lucy, Caroline, Eli, Sev, Eda, Emille, Mark, Tyneshia, Ronelle, and Leslie for your support!!!

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That’s a wrap on this year’s free Summer Screenings! Thanks to everyone who joined us for road movies on the big screen, presented by @mubiusa 😎

🎞️: @cnichviews

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In honor of it's recent sold out screening at the Chicago Cultural Center, we are celebrating BIKE VESSEL, directed by DVID Alum and Mentor, Eric Seals, as one of our KTQ60 Uncut Gems 💎.

KTQ's Director of Finance & Operations, Yvette Flojo attended the screening. She writes:

"Donnie Seals Sr. is inspirational in ‘Bike Vessel’ proving that at any age you can turn your health around. He is steadfast in his pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. After 3 heart surgeries starting at 50 years old, he decides to purchase a bicycle. At first, he can barely ride it down the block, but eventually, it becomes part of his routine and by age 70 he is riding 30 miles daily. Eric Seals, son and director, inspired by his father, decides to purchase a bike and the father and son bike rides begin. Eric comes up with an idea to celebrate Donnie’s 5 year health transformation anniversary with a 4 day bike trip from St. Louis to Chicago. The majority of the film is the preparation for the ride and how Donnie works mind over matter to face this challenge..."

Read her entire review on our Letterboxd! Link in bio!

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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

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Jemila and I are biking to Chicago this summer!! We’re training 4x a week to get big and strong and endurified for this trip. Walking down memory lane to make this post was so….wow. I didn’t realize how much of a journey it’s been, and there’s still such a ways to go! Thank you to every biker, organizer, group, and shop that has gotten me together throughout this journey. Here’s how you can help us out <33 pls share!!

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Many of the advocates who participated in 2026 Bike & Trail Lobby Day in Springfield. We met with dozens of lawmakers to discuss legislation and topics that aim to make Illinois better through biking!

Thanks to all who advocated for sensible micromobility legislation (SB3336), stopping Super Speeders (HB4948), and investing in Illinois trails 👏🏿👏🏽👏🏻

👉 More updates, photos, and Action Alerts to come once we catch up from an action-packed stretch.

#advocacymatters
#lobbyday
#nonprofitsmatter
#rideillinois

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The stories we tell are meant to spark conversation. Sometimes those conversations turn into headlines. We’re proud of the impact ITVS-supported stories have made, and we’re honored that the participants in these films have shared their experiences with America.

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brb goin for a ride on the wiiiiiiiiiiide open road

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I hit the road with Donnie and Eric Seals, a father and son who’ve transformed their health and their bond with each other through biking – and it all began after Donnie had three open-heart surgeries. Soon, father-son bike rides became a part of their routine and Eric, a documentarian, began filming the rides.

Head to my story to watch the full interview.

📸: @n.shinners

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Pickle juice powers Eric D. Seals through his bike ride in Bike Vessel. That gave us an idea... 😂

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