How to Build a BMX Start Ramp

Practice your tricks at home with a homemade start ramp

FInding a place to practice jumps and tricks on your BMX bike can be a tricky proposition. While more and more communities provide skate and bike parks, getting there, especially if you don't have a driver's license, can be difficult. Riding there is an option, but you may be too tired to practice by the time you've made the trek. For these reasons, building your own starter ramp may be just the ticket.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Razor knife
• 2-inch exterior screws
• 1 3/8-inch, 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood
• 3 8-foot 2-by-4s
• Handsaw
• Scroll saw (optional)
• Cordless drill
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Create a stencil by drawing the shape of your ramp on cardboard to pattern the sides. The materials listed above will create a ramp that is two feet wide, 17 inches tall and 40 1/2 inches long. If you want to make a larger ramp, you'll need more materials.

2. Cut out the stencil with a razor knife.

3. Place the cardboard stencil on the plywood and trace out the pattern with the pencil. Try to make your side ramp patterns in the corners so you don't waste plywood.

4. Cut out the pattern using a scroll saw. If you don't have a scroll saw, you can use a handsaw.

5. Use the cut side panel to trace the other side panel and cut that one out as well.

6. Cut eight of the the 2-by-4s to be 2 feet in length with your handsaw. You can also use a mitre or table saw if you have one.

7. Build the box frame inside of your side panels. You'll want to create a square of 2-by-4s for the end. The top and bottom 2-by-4s should be two foot and the vertical supports should be 13 inches each. You'll also need two 2-foot boards running back along the side panels toward where the ramp tapers to the ground. Add an additional 2-by-4 support to the bottom, across the supports. Add an additional two foot 2-by-4 at the bottom and at the top. Use the screws to connect all of the 2-by-4s.

8. Place plywood running from the bottom to the top of the ramp. The 2-by-4 box that you built on the end should be the flat top on the ramp with your plywood butting up to it. Screw the plywood down.

9. Apply wood glue liberally to the edges of the ramp to prevent splintering.

Tips & Warnings

• When building your frame, make sure that your 2-by-4s stay just inside the side panels. If they go outside, you won't be able to smoothly connect the ramp.

References

• You Tube: How to Build a Launch Ramp