The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club will hold its 12th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Bicycle Ride on Saturday, July 31, beginning from 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. at the Scotts Valley High School. From the redwoods to the ocean, the 100-mile Century Challenge climbs over 11,000' in elevation, while the Metric Century Challenge is a 65-mile route which covers sharp switchbacks on steep descents over many of the same roads. Back by popular demand is the Jamison Creek Time Trial. Fantastic rest stops are loaded with plenty of food and drink, and at the end of the ride will be great build-your-own gourmet burritos and ice cream. Registration is $50 ($60 after July 16) and closes July 22. For details visit www.santacruzcycling.org/scmc.

The Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association will hold its 72nd annual potluck picnic starting at noon at Pringle Grove, at the end of Pringle Lane in Soquel. Come early to meet and make friends as well as to view interesting historical displays. Please bring a potluck dish to share, drinks and tableware. This year's speaker will be Barbara Harlamoff McCrary, a Soquel native whose family ties date back to 1890. For more information call 831-649-4230 or visit www.soquelpioneers.com.

Tarantula and spider enthusiast Olga de Santa Anna will bring her 15- and 10-year-old tarantulas to Rancho del Oso from 1 to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of family friendly spider education. There will be some younger tarantulas to hold or observe and many spider activities. Call 831-427-2288 to reserve your free space. Rancho del Oso is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1 across from Waddell Beach.

Enjoy food, fun, carnival booths, face-painting and games at the annual Mesa Village Park Youth Carnival sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks and the Sheriffs Activity League. There will be educational presentations by local government agencies and businesses. Cost: free. 1 to 4 p.m., at Mesa Village County Park, 790 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville. For more information call 831-454-7929 or email prc109@scparks.com.