Portage la Prairie's Junk Yard Dogs are improving their trail systems, thanks to a $1,000 shot in the arm from Scotiabank. Club President Bob Guenther says the funding will help them create two bridges on their trail systems, something that's been needed by riders for quite some time. Guenther notes the cycling club is always aiming to move recreation forward, so the creation of the bridges will benefit more than just those involved with the Junk Yard Dogs.

"The trails are built for anyone that wants to access them. Certainly anyone who wants to be active, try a trail system, might be just getting into mountain biking or trail riding, they just need to access our trails that are built right here in the city. I'm sure they'll fall in love with them, and fall in love with mountain biking immediately."

Guenther notes part of that funding has already been put to use. He notes their trail north of the Assiniboine River south of Portage has included a less than pleasant obstacle in the past, and they've already used the funding to construct one of the bridges.

"In there there's a really low spot that often gets wet. It interferes with the trail in that you either have to negotiate riding through the puddle and hope you make it through, or you have to walk your bike through and get a book full of mud. There actually has been one constructed, just finished about a week ago."

A second bridge is also in the works for their trail system, and Guenther hopes to use what's left of the Scotiabank funding to cover some of the cost. However, he notes they're going to need a bit more funding before they're able to move forward with that second bridge.