DIY Ramps

As a BMX, motocross or mountain bike rider, you know the thrill that comes with being airborne. Building your own ramps will allow you to practice your take-off, landing and freestyle tricks. Dirt ramps allow you to fully customize your take-off, table-top and landing as well as providing a more forgiving surface should an accident occur.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Hose
  • Wheelbarrow
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scout out an area of flat, dry land free of trees, rubble or shrubbery. Factor in the length of run-up and roll-away you'll need when choosing your ramp location.

    • 2

      Mark the perimeter of your ramp site with the edge of your shovel. If you are a novice ramp user, plan to build a take-off ramp 1 to 3 feet high with the landing ramp positioned 2 to 6 feet after.

    • 3

      Bring dirt from an area away from the ramp site in your wheelbarrow, and begin piling it within your marked perimeter. Continue this process until you have created a mound of dirt several feet high, removing any rubble or shrubbery as you go.

    • 4

      Pack down the dirt by hitting it with the underside of your shovel. Begin shaping the take-off ramp at about a 45-degree angle with a slight curve, making it slightly steeper at the top. The landing ramp should have an even 45-degree gradient.

    • 5

      Load more dirt between the take-off and landing ramps to create a table-top. This will help novice riders who fail to clear the full distance between the ramps and prevent injuries. Keep packing the dirt down as you pile it.

    • 6

      Hose down the entire ramp. Once wet, pack the ramp down further by walking across it. This removes any trapped air and ensures the ramp wont collapse during a jump. Leave to dry.

    • 7

      Make the final touches to the shape of the ramp and ensure it is adequately packed before using for the first time.