Freddie Rodriguez, a youth cycling advocate and three-time USPRO national road champion, will highlight a cycling education program from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA for students in grades 3-6. The Maine Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Education Program will cover bike skills and safety, including rules of the road, low-speed handling and maintenance. Registration is limited to 55 students. For more information or to register, visit www.dempseychallenge.org.

Ski Maine Association and title sponsor Outside TV are hosting a ski season launch party at 6 p.m. Thursday at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Portland to support the Ski Museum of Maine. A lift ticket voucher will be presented to each of the first 75 guests who attend. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.skimaine.com.

The Maine Elite Girls’ Basketball Showcase will be held Nov. 4 at Colby College in Waterville. The event is open to girls in grades 9-12 and college personnel will be on hand to evaluate players. The cost is $35 and includes a shirt. Preregistration is required. Contact Bill Libby at 866-4124 or bill.libby33@yahoo.com.