1st Day on the Bedi's Bike Route!

40 miles: Hondo-Sabinal-Uvalde

After several rainy days in Bartlett, Bedi would come to San Antonio in 140 miles and then another 40 to Hondo -- where I caught my first view of the railroad tracks Bedi rode. I still cannot imagine how he made much daily progress on any type of gravel or dirt path on a 1909 one-speed bicycle! The railroad tracks have obviously been replaced since then -- and the dirt track is no longer there.

Railroad tracks outside Hondo.

We found the original location of the Hondo depot. All that remains is the platform. The metal building appears newer and it seems they use the platform for events. A train even came by for us!

Hondo, Texas -- original location of depot (since moved)

This old Hondo depot, which was likely the one there when Bedi rode through, has been relocated from its original position in photo above, 16 blocks east, and is now the Medina County Heritage Museum. (It wasn't open.)

Hondo,Texas -- old train depot (now a museum)

Around Hondo, Texas

Hondo, Texas 2024

Hondo, Texas: Graff's Real Estate, Cattle Co. & Antiques

Medina County Jail,built1893

On to Sabinal, Texas via Old US 90

We hopped over to old US 90 (built in 1926) -- which follows right along the railroad tracks -- to Sabinal. It's interesting to think about 1926 traffic -- one narrow lane each way, virtually no shoulders.

By the 1920s, according to this site, horse carriages were uncommon and most people had an automobile.

1926 Model T from classic.com

Riding my imaginary bicycle on the tracks.

How long has this dirt track been here?? Could it be the one Bedi took??

These little guys were a frequent sight along the road. I am sure Bedi saw goats on his trip. This area was a large mohair producer in 1909.

Since we are traveling the same time of year as Bedi, I imagine he would have seen the same wildflowers we are seeing.

I am guessing he may have heard similar birds to the ones we heard today. My Merlin app identified these bird calls along the track. Unfortunately, they were hiding in the bushes and I didn't get a good look at them.

Bird songs identified by the Merlin app while standing along tracks.

Lots of railroad bridges -- mostly over dry creek beds.

Sabinal, then and now.

The scene below is from 1909 -- perhaps very similar to what Bedi would have cycled up to as rode into town. He must have been quite a sight in these little towns!

Arrival of Mohair in Sabinal, showing Center Street with bank building and Johnston & Reily General Merchandise, Postmarked 1909. Postcard courtesy Dan Whatley Collection

Same street corner.

This little waiting station -- which has since been moved -- was across from the depot (which no longer exists).

old waiting station for train in Sabinal, Texas

That's all for now!