BART, Bike, Brunch

In the spirit of public transportation, we've picked a mellow bike ride through the rolling green hills of the East Bay. Jump on BART with your bike and get off at the Lafayette Station. Pedal along back roads (directions below) until you hit the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail—seven mostly car-free miles of smart urban planning. You'll be riding alongside the ghosts of railroads past: The path used to be the steam train track from Oakland to Sacramento; now it's a paved multiuse trail park that gives bikers, runners, and walkers a place to stretch their legs. Bring a few bucks so you can break midway for eggs, bacon, and potatoes at the Ranch House Café. The outdoor picnic tables are nice spots for kicking back and enjoying the warm East Bay spring. After tanking up, bike and BART back the way you came.

Directions: From Lafayette BART Station, exit toward City Center. Walk down the stairs, turn left, and look for a short bike trail. Cross Mt. Diablo Blvd. to Lafayette Circle. Continue on Lafayette Circle, turn right on Hough Ave. and turn left onto Brook St. Take Brook St. to Moraga Rd. and turn right, then immediately left onto School St. Follow School St. for about a 1/4 mile. The entrance to the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail is on the left, across from Stanley Middle School. Go right on the trail to get to Moraga and the Ranch House Café.

Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail: 925-687-3419.
Ranch House Café, 1012 School St., Moraga: 925-376-5127.