The Lafayette-Moraga and Contra Costa Canal regional trails in Central Contra Costa County are great places to ride your bicycle for both recreational and commuting purposes.

The East Bay Regional Park District's recreation department staff will highlight these trails during several guided rides in the next couple of weeks.

Two of the rides are this Saturday, Aug. 4, on the Lafayette-Moraga Trail. Both are free. The first is a 6.5-miler from 10 a.m. to noon, starting at the staging area on Olympic Boulevard at Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette.

This one is designed for beginning cyclists. Bring your bike, helmet, a snack, a water bottle, and dress as the weather dictates. A limited number of loaner bicycles and helmets are available, but you must call 510-544-2553 in advance.

Then, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, there's a 10-mile ride for more experienced cyclists. Also starting at the Olympic Boulevard staging area, this ride will use bicycle-friendly streets as well as the paved trail.

Bring your bike, helmet, water bottle, a snack, a camera and/or binoculars. Again, some loaner bicycles are available on request.

In the unlikely event of rain, the programs are canceled. For more information on either ride, call 510-544-2553.

The Contra Costa Canal Trail ride is from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 11, led by Connie Anderson and Deborah Osteen, and designed for ages 10 and older. It's either 9 or 16 miles, with

The itinerary includes a stop for a sandwich at the Larkey Market & Deli and a tour of the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek.

Registration is required, and there's a fee of $18 per person ($20 for nondistrict residents). For registration and information, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program 30078.