How to Make BMX Bike Dirt Jumps

Learn how to make BMX bike dirt jumps.

BMX or bicycle motor cross is an outdoor sport that involves extreme racing of bicycles in various difficult terrains. One popular trick you can do with a BMX bike is a dirt jump where you ride up an incline made of compacted dirt and at the peak of the jump you become airborne for a period. You can build a field of dirt jumps for practice so you can perfect your BMX bike jumping skills.

Things You'll Need

• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Water

Instructions

1. Establish a location for the jumps that meets the space and clearance requirements. If there are any hanging branches, roots, overgrowing shrubs or other obstructions the location is not good for building jumps.

2. Mark the ground where you want to make each of the jumps. Allow 4 feet for each jump and 10 feet of space between each jump for a landing area.

3. Fill a wheelbarrow with dirt from outside of the jump area. If you dig too close to the jumps, you will create ditches that you could easily fall into and hurt your self.

4. Pour out the dirt into one of the marked areas for the jumps and fill the wheelbarrow again. Keep adding dirt until you have a pile on the jump area that is at least 4 feet high. You will probably need to add more after you start working.

5. Pack down the dirt with the back of a shovel to remove as much air from the pile as possible. As you pack the dirt, shape the pile into a ramp that slopes up from one end into a peak at the opposite end.

6. Smooth down the upper face of the pile to create a flat riding area that goes up the slope. The flat area should be the side of the pile that faces the sky.

7. Wet down the entire pile of dirt and shape the jump with the shovel. Pack down the dirt more if possible and leave the jump to dry completely.

8. Assemble the rest of the jumps in the same way. Make sure your jumps lead in a continuous direction if you plan to use them one after another.

Tips & Warnings

• Have some friends help you move the dirt to save time and get your jumps done faster.

• Don't build your jumps in an area that is not exclusively yours or designated for cycling.

References

• BMX Zone: How to Build Good Dirt Jumps
• Gene's BMX: How to Build BMX Dirt Jumps
• AT BMX: Dig and Build BMX Dirt Jumps and Mountain Bike Trails