How to Make a BMX Dirt Ramp

Build a dirt ramp and soar through the air.

Building a dirt BMX ramp or even a series of BMX dirt jumps is a fairly simple but time-consuming task that requires few tools. According to the Dirt-Jumping website, ramps or takeoffs only constitute half of a successful jump and require a landing point built as well. The knowledge gained in making and shaping a single dirt jump can aid in building a complete dirt jump course with berm, hip and rhythm section shapes created in much the same way as a single jump.

Things You'll Need

• Spade shovel
• Flat shovel
• Wheelbarrow (optional)

Instructions

Build a Dirt Ramp

1. Pick a flat, preferably well shaded plot of land to build a dirt jump. There should be 10 feet from the base of the ramp mound and 10 feet from the base of the landing mound clear of all obstacles.

2. 

   Dig drainage holes first.

   Dig a drainage hole with the spade shovel between the desired takeoff and landing points. The hole should be approximately two feet between where the mound bases will be, approximately four feet wide and two feet deep. Use the dirt dug from the hole to start the mounds. The landing mound should be slightly smaller than the takeoff mound. Pack the loose dirt with the flat shovel every time the mound of dirt appears six inches taller than the last time it was packed.

3. 

   Haul in fresh dirt.

   If needed, load dirt from another location in the wheelbarrow and move it to the areas where the mounds will be.

4. Dig drainage trenches on either side of both the takeoff and landing mounds if more dirt is needed for desired mound height. The drainage trenches and holes will aid in directing rainwater away from the mounds and slowing eventual erosion. If more dirt is still needed, dig the drainage system deeper.

5. Carve a lip in the takeoff mound with the flat shovel. The path up the ramp should be smooth and even with a slight curve that ends at the top of the takeoff in a near vertical position. This will supply the upward motion needed to clear the empty space between the two mounds.

6. Carve the landing mound in a smoother easier downward slope with the flat shovel. The landing mound should be slightly longer and more flat than the takeoff mound. Use the dirt carved from both mounds to extend the landing mound if necessary.

7. Test the jump after ensuring both mound surfaces are well packed, smooth and even where the tires will contact the mounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Building additional drainage ditches to move water completely away from the single jump or a dirt jump course will make crashes or bad landings less muddy and add an additional source of dirt.

• BMX dirt jumping is a dangerous sport. Riders should always wear a helmet and pads when attempting any jumping tricks.

• Jumping voids the warranty on most bicycle frames. Check with the manufacturer before using a bicycle for this purpose.

References

• Dirt-jumping.com