How to Build Bike Jumps

As a BMX or motocross rider, performing jumps is an integral part of your sport. Dirt jumps are the most straightforward to build, allow you to customize the size and shape of take-off, tabletops and landings, as well as offering a more forgiving surface should you fall. Build your own jumps to practice freestyle tricks and enjoy the thrill of being airborne.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Hose
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Logs (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select your jump location. Find an area of land with a smooth surface, free from trees or rubble. You will need adequate space for an efficient run-up and safe, ride-away landing.

    • 2

      Use a rope or draw a line in the ground with your shovel to mark your jump site. For novice riders, mark a take-off ramp of 1 to 3 feet with the landing ramp 2 to 6 feet apart.

    • 3

      Collect dirt from a different area (do not dig in an area that will disturb you run-up or landing) using a wheelbarrow and dump it onto your jump site, removing any rubble or plants. Continue this process until you have a large enough mound of earth to begin shaping your jump.

      If you are a more experienced motocross rider, and wish to build a larger jump, you can stack up logs to form the foundation of your jump before covering it with dirt.

    • 4

      Use the back of your shovel to pack down the earth and shape your jump. Begin shaping your take-off ramp at about a 45 degree angle with a slight curve (so the top of the ramp is slightly steeper than the bottom). Shape you landing ramp with an even gradient - again, 45 degrees is optimal.

    • 5

      Fill the space between the two transitions with dirt to make a flat surface between the peaks to make your "table-top". The "table-top" reduces the risk of injury should the rider fall short of the landing ramp.

    • 6

      Use your hose to wet down the entire jump. Once wet, pack it down further with the back of the shovel or by walking slowly across the surface. Leave to dry.

    • 7

      Once dry, check that the dirt is adequately packed and make the final touches to the take-off and landing ramps.