Evolution of the Mile High Ramp

Below is a picture history of the building of the backyard ramp.  Backyard ramps are so much fun.  The main goal for this ramp (aside from somehow making it level) was to make it have some different things.  The extensions go almost to vert, mellow quarter on one of the decks, and the rainbow.  My plan is to keep building odd add ons for this ramp.  Already planned is another quarter (super steep) on the big deck, a sub box, and possibly building a big bank ramp off of the high side of the flat bottom next summer. Enjoy the pics, then get ahold of me when you are ready to enjoy the ramp. 

 In the Beginning...

 Lots of pieces of wood laying everywhere

 this van has almost 200,000 miles but how can you get rid of a van that can carry a family of 5 or full 4x8 sheets of plywood

 Phase I.  This was how far we had gotten when I came to the realization we were going to have to move the ramp 4' more from the fence line.

 Looking down from above.  Still before the move

After the move.  Now layering has started and it is starting to feel like this ramp may get completed.

 The paperwork that states my ramp is legal to have.

 Pics of me and TJ putting up the back deck (about 10' of the ground on the high side)

Glorious.  Plywood on and starting skatelite

Enjoying a night time session after the large deck was put on.  After some debating we decided to go with an 8x16 deck with an 8' wide 2' high quarter pipe on top.

The beginning of the rainbow.  this is gonna be fun

Rainbow starts to look like a rainbow

This is a view from the bedroom window

 The rainbow is finally in place.  First time over was scary.

A view of the big deck.  Quarter pipe on top blended into the deck.

Having fun?

You know, I have built a few ramps in the past.  Some at my house, some for others.  There is definitely a good feeling about building a ramp in your own back yard (much better than seeing someone else's ramp going up - unless you are helping me, then seeing someone else's ramp is the most fun).  Along with that good feeling of seeing a great ramp going up in your backyard is the realization that you live in an adult world full of stupid rules and regulations.  This is the 2nd house that I have lived in where I have built an outdoor ramp of decent size and for the 2nd time I am working through bureaucracy of city planning and zoning committees.  All this to protect who?  Me? The neighbors?  Nope, just another way to milk some money from me.  I am building a backyard ramp, not a 2nd story on my house.  Why is it I need permits for this?

This weekend we will attempt to move the ramp about 4 feet to keep a 5 foot gap from my fence.  Why?  because that is the zoning requirement.  It could be worse, I could need a building permit.  Luckily Boone county does not require this for anything under 12 feet tall.  So now we are going to be one weekend behind but this will make the ramp legal.  I am sure there will be other battles over the course of having the ramp.  It is rare that other adults (yes, I am counting myself as an adult) will stand for watching people have fun without having to butt in and try to end it.  I could be wrong and I hope I am, but I am guessing this is just the beginning of "fun" battles.