July 28, 2026
FILM: BIKE VESSEL
DIRECTED BY: ERIC D. SEALS
STARRING: DONNIE SEALS, ERIC D. SEALS
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
Bike Vessel is an inspiring documentary about a father and son who embark on a bike journey together from St. Louis to Chicago. The son is the director of the project, Eric D. Seals. The remarkable part of this story is the challenging life of his father Donnie and how he experienced three open heart surgeries in the past three decades. Now in his late 60s, Donnie embarks on this ride with a bit of trepidation but full of commitment.
The film features a solid structure built around this ride but also Donnie’s health issues that partially stem from Black community eating habits. The younger Seals does a great job of interviewing doctors who explain the cultural background which has led to higher incidences of blood pressure, stroke and heart struggles. The roots seem to stem back to the earliest days of slavery. Such historical details are insightful and eye-opening to hear.
Donnie began his journey to recovery from surgery by changing his diet and doing brief bike rides around his neighborhood. The film takes us through the many periods of training required for the big state-wide bike ride. Of course, what we all wait for is the actual journey. Some of the details are not included such as how the men get down to St. Louis to begin as they are both from the Chicago area. This isn’t really necessary to include though as Eric wisely edits the film creating a solid brisk pace without a lot of excess.
Why they felt the need to do this journey in only four days is not clear but once they get started we are with them for the long haul each day. Eric places cameras on their bikes while also employing aerial shots as they ride up Route 66. Along the way there are a series of setbacks including route issues, several flat tires, exhaustion, and a periodic desire to stop. But the father and son keep each other on track even while experiencing their own squabbles and fears. It’s really a beautiful journey to be taken on by these men. We see what strengths they both have and how they work off those strengths to continually pursue their goal.
The narrative of their story is depicted with not only footage of the journey but also relevant old family videos, stills, and interviews with other family members. What results is an entertaining portrait of a family that has come together to defy its history of health issues as it embarks on the ride of a lifetime.
This is a journey worth taking with them!
The Chicago Cultural Center will host a free screening of Bike Vessel tomorrow at 6:30 PM although tickets are currently only available on standby. It is also available via PBS Passport with a donation at https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/bike-vessel/
FILM: BIKE VESSEL
DIRECTED BY: ERIC D. SEALS
STARRING: DONNIE SEALS, ERIC D. SEALS
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
Bike Vessel is an inspiring documentary about a father and son who embark on a bike journey together from St. Louis to Chicago. The son is the director of the project, Eric D. Seals. The remarkable part of this story is the challenging life of his father Donnie and how he experienced three open heart surgeries in the past three decades. Now in his late 60s, Donnie embarks on this ride with a bit of trepidation but full of commitment.
The film features a solid structure built around this ride but also Donnie’s health issues that partially stem from Black community eating habits. The younger Seals does a great job of interviewing doctors who explain the cultural background which has led to higher incidences of blood pressure, stroke and heart struggles. The roots seem to stem back to the earliest days of slavery. Such historical details are insightful and eye-opening to hear.
Donnie began his journey to recovery from surgery by changing his diet and doing brief bike rides around his neighborhood. The film takes us through the many periods of training required for the big state-wide bike ride. Of course, what we all wait for is the actual journey. Some of the details are not included such as how the men get down to St. Louis to begin as they are both from the Chicago area. This isn’t really necessary to include though as Eric wisely edits the film creating a solid brisk pace without a lot of excess.
Why they felt the need to do this journey in only four days is not clear but once they get started we are with them for the long haul each day. Eric places cameras on their bikes while also employing aerial shots as they ride up Route 66. Along the way there are a series of setbacks including route issues, several flat tires, exhaustion, and a periodic desire to stop. But the father and son keep each other on track even while experiencing their own squabbles and fears. It’s really a beautiful journey to be taken on by these men. We see what strengths they both have and how they work off those strengths to continually pursue their goal.
The narrative of their story is depicted with not only footage of the journey but also relevant old family videos, stills, and interviews with other family members. What results is an entertaining portrait of a family that has come together to defy its history of health issues as it embarks on the ride of a lifetime.
This is a journey worth taking with them!
The Chicago Cultural Center will host a free screening of Bike Vessel tomorrow at 6:30 PM although tickets are currently only available on standby. It is also available via PBS Passport with a donation at https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/bike-vessel/