Biking with a Mission in San Antonio

The simple beauty of the historic white chapels set against the brilliant blue Texas sky attracts visitors from around the world to San Antonio's Missions National Park.

San Antonio is the only city in the United States with five Spanish missions within its city limits. The now vibrant city was formed from Missions Espada, San Juan, San Jose, Concepcion, and San Antonio de Valero.

I recently toured San Antonio's 18th century Spanish missions and learned about their vital role in shaping the future of the city.

My tour started at Mission San Antonio de Valero which is more commonly known as the Alamo. Although it is surrounded by modern downtown buildings, the massive chunk of limestone projects a profound feeling of reverence.

The mission was in existence for over 100 years before the Battle of the Alamo, but its religious beginning has been eclipsed by its military role. After looking at the museum's displays, I drove south to Missions National Park, home of the four missions that still function as religious centers.

It seemed a transgression to drive my rusty Camaro over the park's sacred ground so I opted to rent a bicycle and follow the trail that joins the missions. With the exception of Mission Espada, the missions are connected by a 7.1 mile Hike and Bike Trail. It is possible to bike to Mission Espada along a paved two-lane highway.

The missions are part of the National Park Service and rangers are stationed at each site. Being a history buff, I took full advantage of their vast knowledge.

I started out at Mission Concepcion. The graceful church, featuring twin towers and carved-stone embellishments, is famous for its superb acoustics and also holds the honor of being the oldest stone Catholic church in the country.

The colorful geometric designs that once covered its exterior surface have faded away with the exception of a few faint remnants on the massive twin towers. According to the park ranger stationed at Mission Concepcion, the once brightly colored paintings were used to attract Coahuitecan Indians to the missions.