Looking for a cheap ride to get around Portage la Prairie this summer? You can build your own right here with help from the folks at the Greasy Chain.

Biking is not only a great green form of transportation, it's going to help you stay in shape while getting to your destination. The local business operated by the Portage Active Transportation Committee and is open every Wednesday to help people with repairs, but they won't do them for you.

"We've been going since the start of May, and it runs Wednesday nights," says Ian Wassink with Portage Active Transportation. "We've got some people here that built their own bikes themselves, people bring their own bikes in for tune-ups, and just some of the minor stuff they can fix quickly. We also have a volunteer night Tuesday's but we're thinking of moving it to Saturday's"

The Greasy Chain is located in the back lane between 1st St. NW and Tupper Street in Portage. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

Wassink says they received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Portage and District recently which will help them, help you, a little better.

"We're using that to help us get our next tool order. Right now we're putting together two brand new work benches we got in Winnipeg, and our tool order is going through Two Tired Boys in the mall."

Wassink says bikes are available for sale at the store, but all of them need work.

"We try to make sure the bikes we sell are road worthy, so they'll stop and go when you want," laughs Wassink. "There all used bicycles, they're donated, and we do put some time and effort into them. We do have a small stock available to select from."

He adds they've got some used parts available, and no one will fix your bike for you.