By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Go do it

Pedal, paddle, party: Picture this ... you and your family (or just the two of you) pedaling from Loveland along the banks of the Little Miami River for about 41/2 miles to the town of Foster. Then, shove off for an hour-long bit of paddling back to Loveland, just in time for a campfire-lit dinner and party from 7-9 p.m. This fun event, sponsored by the Loveland Bike Trail people, runs from 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday. Registration fee includes canoe, lifejackets and paddles waiting for you in Foster, transportation of your bike back to Loveland from Foster and all the food at the cookout. The only trick is that the reservation deadline is 7 p.m. today so think fast. $29.50 per adult, $10 per child. www.active.com or 677-5534.

Think about doing good: The Cincinnati Psychological Association is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Sept. 27, also on the Loveland Bike Trail. Proceeds go to the G.L.A.D. House in Bond Hill, a nonprofit organization that helps children of substance-abusing parents. A Wellness Fair will also be available during the event. $17. www.sprunning.com or 624-7701.

Beautiful Ohio: If you have a boat, why "oarn't" you paddling in this celebration of Ohio River ecology? By popular demand, three day-paddles have been added to the Great Ohio River Paddle. The Greater Cincinnati day paddle is scheduled for Sept. 27, from Sayler Park to Rising Sun. Day paddler registration is limited to 50 people. Proceeds go to the Ohio River Foundation's River Explorer education program. $40, includes meals, water and T-shirts. Register at www.ohioriverfdn.org.

On the shelf

Tagging along: A local son's concern for his running father led to the creation of Road ID, a line of identification tags for athletes and nonathletes. The Fort Mitchell-based company hopes to educate runners, cyclists, walkers, hikers, skaters or anybody about the importance of wearing identification in case of an unexpected accident. Road ID's line of customized, laser engraved stainless steel identification tags can be worn as an integral part of anyone's gear: on the wrist, shoe, ankle or around the neck. Prices range from $4.99 for reflective laces to $198.99 for the 10K gold ID dog tag. The stainless steel models average $19.99. (859) 341-1102 or www.roadid.com.

Advice

Play it safe: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers the following guidelines for parents and coaches before your child plays any fall sport:

• Make sure a trained coach staffs your child's program.

• Make sure your child incorporates conditioning/warm-up and cool-down periods with ample rest periods and water breaks to prevent dehydration and overheating.

• Discourage dangerous tactics of play and risky techniques. Strictly enforce appropriate rules to minimize overuse of growing bones.

• Never push a child beyond the point of safety, physically or emotionally.

• Make sure your child knows to report any pain he or she is experiencing.

• Check to make sure equipment is adequately maintained and used properly. Protective equipment such as padding, headgear, mouth guards and cups must fit properly and their use strictly enforced.

• Learn to recognize early signs of pain and discomfort in your children.

Information: www.orthoinfo.org.

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Contact Shauna Scott Rhone by phone: 768-8511; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: srhone@enquirer.com