Return To The Road
St. Louis → Chicago
August 19 - 23 , 2026 | ~350 miles | 4 days
Welcome to Bike Vessel 2
Five years after our first historic ride, Bike Vessel is returning to the road.
In 2021, we rode from St. Louis to Chicago to tell a deeply personal story about health, family, and the power of movement. In 2026, we’re doing it again—this time during the Route 66 Centennial, making Bike Vessel 2 an officially recognized Centennial event.
Bike Vessel 2 is more than a bike ride. It’s a community-powered journey that brings together cyclists, families, and supporters to celebrate health, resilience, and fellowship—especially within Black communities.
Whether you ride every mile, join us for a single day, volunteer, or follow along from afar, you’re part of the movement.
The Ride at a Glance
Route: St. Louis, MO → Chicago, IL (via historic Route 66)
Total Distance: Approximately 350 miles
Duration: 4 riding days + arrival/check-in day
Finish Line: Chicago Lakefront (Buckingham Fountain)
Celebration: End-of-ride lakefront gathering
Luggage Transportation
We take care of your gear so you can stay focused on the ride itself. Each morning, you’ll drop off your luggage with the Bike Vessel team, and it will be transported ahead to your our designated overnight hotel. On the final day, your bags will be delivered directly to the Chicago finish line.
This support allows you to ride light, recover fully each night, and experience the journey without the stress of logistics. Show up, ride hard, rest well—we’ve got the rest covered.
Who This Ride Is For
Bike Vessel 2 is for cyclists who are ready to challenge themselves in a supportive, community-driven environment. You don’t need to be a professional racer, just committed to the miles and open to the experience of riding together.
This ride welcomes endurance cyclists, community riders joining for select days, and those inspired by health, storytelling, and impact. It’s not a race; it’s a shared journey built on encouragement, accountability, and purpose.
Why Bike Vessel Exists
Bike Vessel began as a personal story between a father and son and grew into a nationally broadcast documentary about health, aging, and self-determination. The ride is a living extension of that story—turning film into action and movement into community.
At its core, Bike Vessel exists to encourage healthier lifestyles, highlight health disparities in Black communities, and show that meaningful change can begin at any age. The bike is simply the vessel; the real destination is connection, longevity, and collective growth.
Daily Breakdown
Arrival Day: Riders will travel to St. Louis on Day 0 (August 19th). You may join the group train travel or meet us in St. Louis on your own.
Finish Line: The ride officially concludes in Chicago, with a lakefront finish and end-of-ride celebration.
St. Louis (Arrival Night)
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Union Station
Address: 201 S 20th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-587-3264
Rate: $158/night
Day 02
Springfield, IL
Friday, Aug, 21 | 70 Miles
Springfield, IL
State House Inn – Collection by Wyndham
Address: 101 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 901-459-1980
Rate: $99/night
Day 03 Bloomington, IL
Saturday, Aug, 22 | 100 Miles
Hotels & Lodging
We’ve secured discounted group hotel blocks in each overnight city to make planning easy. You’re welcome to use these options or arrange your own lodging.
Bloomington, IL
Holiday Inn & Suites
Address: 3202 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL
Phone: 309-662-4700
Rate: $139/night
Day 04
Joliet, IL
Sunday, August, 23 | 70 Miles
Joliet, IL
Holiday Inn & Suites Rock Creek Blvd
Address: 1471 Rock Creek Blvd, Joliet, IL
Phone: 779-206-2915
Rate: $155/night
Day 01
St. Louis, MO
Thursday, Aug, 20 | 110 Miles
Day 00
Travel Day
Wednesday, Aug, 19 | 110 Miles
Registration
Registration opens February 15, 2026.
Spots are limited to ensure a safe, supported experience.
What’s Included with Registration
When you register for Bike Vessel 2, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on the ride.
Registration includes:
Fully planned routes with RideWithGPS files and printed cue sheets
Daily SAG support and on-road assistance
Water and rest stops throughout each day
Daily luggage transport between overnight hotels
Hotel breakfast at designated group hotels
Lunch provided on the ride
Dinner on your own
Ride packet (wristband, emergency contact info, BV2 Route 66 sticker)
End-of-ride Chicago lakefront celebration
Join the Bike Vessel 2 ride as we return to the road for a historic 350-mile, four-day journey from St. Louis to Chicago along Route 66 during the Centennial year.
Your registration secures your place in a fully supported group ride experience, including daily SAG support, rest stops, luggage transportation between overnight hotels, RideWithGPS navigation files, printed cue sheets, hotel breakfast at designated group hotels, rider packet, and access to the end-of-ride Chicago lakefront celebration.
This is more than a ride. It is a community-driven experience rooted in health, movement, and connection. Whether you are riding every mile or joining the movement for the mission, Bike Vessel 2 is about finishing strong together.
17 of 30 spots available
Featured Products
Wear the journey, official Bike Vessel 2 jerseys are available, and we encourage all riders to wear them on the final day into Chicago.
Inspired by the powerful documentary Bike Vessel, this limited-edition cycling jersey represents resilience, health, and the journey to reclaiming life through cycling. Designed for comfort and performance, this jersey is perfect for riders who push limits—just like the inspiring story behind the film.
Inspired by the powerful documentary Bike Vessel, this athletic performance t-shirt is more than just apparel—it’s a movement. Designed for those who push themselves, both on and off the bike, this moisture-wicking, quick-dry tee is built to keep up with your active lifestyle while making a statement. Featuring “VESSEL” boldly across the chest, this shirt represents the journey of transformation, endurance, and reclaiming health—just like the story told in the film.
Support the Film, Support the Mission
Every purchase of this official Bike Vessel t-shirt directly supports the documentary’s mission to raise awareness about health disparities, inspire movement, and spark meaningful conversations about longevity and wellness. Your support helps bring this film to more audiences and create real impact in communities.
Inspired by the powerful documentary Bike Vessel, this eco-conscious performance t-shirt is more than just apparel—it’s a statement of resilience, health, and sustainability. Made with a 50/50 pre-shrunk poly/cotton blend, this soft, breathable tee is designed for everyday comfort while reducing environmental impact. Featuring “VESSEL” boldly across the chest, this shirt represents movement, transformation, and the journey to a healthier life.
Support the Film, Support the Movement
Every purchase of this official Bike Vessel t-shirt directly supports the documentary’s mission to inspire health, longevity, and awareness of health disparities. Your support helps bring this impactful story to more audiences and encourages change in communities nationwide.
Get Involved
Stay Connected
Join the BIke Vessel Newsletter
Registration announcements
Training tips
Route previews
Volunteer opportunities
Behind-the-scenes updates
Volunteer
Bike Vessel 2 runs on community support.
We’re currently seeking volunteers for:
SAG and luggage transport drivers
Rest stop setup and breakdown
Rider check-in in St. Louis
Admin and planning support
Questions?
If you have questions about the ride, registration, or volunteering, reach out: