Nearly 200 Catholic faithful took on a 17-mile pilgrimage from San Antonio’s West Side to Helotes on Friday, continuing a 37-year tradition honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The group set out shortly before 8 a.m. from Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine on the West Side, walking and riding bicycles in prayer and meditation toward the sister parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Helotes. The trek was expected to take participants between four and six hours.

Rain, shine or fog — organizers say the annual pilgrimage goes on.

“I’m doing it for the community,” said Rafael Jimenez, who made the journey on his bicycle. “When you go up, you need to come back. I don’t have a ride to come back, so this is my ride.”

Pilgrims of all ages joined the route, some on two feet, others on wheels.

The day beg

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