How-To: Adjustable kids' bike jump

Insructables user murphtron writes:

My son started riding a 16″ bike at 4 years old without training wheels. (He was first on a push bike without training wheels or pedals at about 3 1/2.) One day he decided to build a jump in the back yard. So he found a piece of 2 x 12 ramp (with random lumber laying around) and piled up some logs. He discovered it was a bit tricky to ride in the grass and hit his narrow ramp. So I said, ‘hey, let’s go in the street (dead end) and try this.’ First one brick was used to provide vertical lift, and then a second brick. He loved it.

With two bricks, the ramp becomes a bit wobbly. Plus, a 2 x 12 is a bit narrow, and a few times he rode off the ramp’s side. So I decided to build a jump with the following qualities:

Wider ramp

Adjustable height, so it will last for a few years as he grows

Portable, so I could drag it to the dead end or local schoolyard playground.

Safer (while still providing ample opportunity for skinned elbows and broken bones)

3 Responses to How-To: Adjustable kids' bike jump

Dave on February 3rd, 2010 at 12:45 pm said:

Chamfering the leading edge might provide less of a bump at entry. Additionally, coating the top surface with an anti-skid material might provide a bit more safety. For that matter, an anti-skid material on the bottom surface might be a good idea, too.

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Eric C. on February 3rd, 2010 at 5:39 pm said:

I spent most of my life on a skateboard, been doing it since I was 5 and now here it is 29 years later. Spent a lot of time building launch ramps, halfs and quarter-pipes in front of my house.

Use a bit of 1/8″ thick steel to mate with the ground for a smooth transition. But with beefy BMX wheels it shouldn’t matter.

To keep the ramp from sliding on the asphalt. We would nail carpet to the bottom, it grips concrete pretty well.

I’m most stoked that you’re the kind of Dad that A) sets aside worrying about the kid getting hurt having fun, kids get hurt but they learn how not to get hurt. Pain is one of the fastest teachers there is. B) that you actually are actively interested in what he’s interested in. Spent the time.

That matters, my Father’s role was lecturing, but never actually doing anything. Never taught us anything, was never engaged, just worked and made money. I’m thankful for that he put a roof over our head. But I wouldn’t have minded it leaking if it meant he actually cared about us enough to put in some time with us.

He’s dead now… you can see why this is important if you don’t want your kids thinking you were a bad Father after you’re dead!

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pete on February 4th, 2010 at 7:14 am said:

I have zero confidence that this ramp has the physical stamina to stand up to even one jump. I appreciate the idea of an adjustable ramp; this just isn’t it.

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