Red Velvet and Resilience: A Celebration of Freedom, Strength, and Community

Sometimes, a bike ride isn’t about the miles — it’s about the message.

For several years, Trailnet and 4theVille have partnered to celebrate Juneteenth with a community bike ride honoring Black artists and history in St. Louis. It’s a time of deep joy and celebration we look forward to each year.

In the wake of devastating tornado damage in North St. Louis, things understandably looked a bit different this year.

4theVille and Trailnet decided to pivot our Juneteenth Community Ride into something new: a bike-powered volunteer effort rooted in joy, nourishment, and neighborly care. 4theVille has been working tirelessly on the ground with tornado relief, and it became clear that the most meaningful way to honor Juneteenth this year was to show up for one another.

So that’s exactly what we did.

On Saturday morning, folks arrived at our meeting point in The Ville with cargo bikes, baskets, trailers, and big hearts, ready to deliver hundreds of fresh red velvet donuts to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Despite a bit of rain, volunteers came with smiles and energy, determined to brighten someone’s morning.

Red velvet is a cherished Juneteenth tradition, and these donuts were more than just a treat. Each one carried a message of hope and solidarity, along with an informational booklet from 4theVille letting neighbors know they haven’t been forgotten.

The atmosphere at our starting hub was warm and welcoming. Local musicians provided a wonderful soundtrack, coffee and conversation flowed, and teams of riders set off in waves to bring a bit of sweetness to streets still recovering from the storm. It was spontaneous, joyful, and deeply moving.

This is what bikes can do. They carry more than people — they carry kindness. They build bridges. They turn ordinary moments into shared ones. And they remind us that healing and celebration aren’t mutually exclusive.

We would not have been able to do this without the visionary leadership of 4theVille, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Our heartfelt thanks also go out to River City Outdoors, the ride sponsor, who were incredibly supportive when the decision to pivot was made. And thanks as well to the Regional Arts Commission for their support of all the local artists who joined the celebration. It wouldn’t have been the same without them! 

To everyone who volunteered, who pivoted with us, who rode with purpose: we see you, and we’re so grateful. You helped make Juneteenth not just a day of remembrance, but one of real action and connection.

Thank you for showing the power of compassion in motion.