LAKE Burley Griffin turns 50 on Friday 17th October and Canberran families are invited to get on their bikes and join in the celebrations.

Pedal Power ACT and the Environment and Planning Directorate are combining to provide a free fun-filled family cycling event on the shores of the Lake, from 5pm – 7pm.

The ride will include an exciting ‘clue hunt’ taking in some historic landmarks along the way and there will be prizes and goody bags for participants.

All levels of ability are welcome for this fun, non-competitive event, and there will be plenty of other things to see and do on the evening, including face painting and circus skills for the kids, with volunteers on hand to bring the history of the lake to life. Refreshments will also be available on the day.

No party would be complete without a birthday cake, and there will be a special cutting of the cake at the end of the ride, presided over by VIPs six times gold medal Paralympian Michael Milton and Mick Gentleman MLA.

The ride will run from the Captain Cook Memorial Globe at Regatta Point and take in features such as Robert Menzies Statue, Gallipoli Reach, Blundell’s Cottage, the Carillon, HMAS Canberra Memorial and Murray’s Bakery & Store.

“This party will bring together the past and the future – by inviting the next generation of Canberrans to participate in a fun event that acknowledges this city’s unique past whilst encouraging kids to ride their bikes: an activity that will benefit their own future health and the environmental sustainability of the ACT,” said Pedal Power Executive Officer John Armstrong.

All are welcome and parents are encouraged to ride along with younger children.

[Photo © VisitCanberra 2014]