Drmmrlittle

i want to build about 15 yards Of ladders that start high (about 10 yards) And drop down to ground level. where do i start?

ca7erham

Dont make the ladders out of ladders. Just dont.

dminor 

Start at a construction site - - especially one where they're setting forms for a concrete pour; and talk to the foreman about the possibility of salvaging the scrap they strip off afterward.

scrublover

so you want to start 30' up and go down to ground level in 45', but are asking folks here about how to do so? a simple ramp? turns? what? around rock work, or just for the hell of it? a little detail would go a long way here. where? wet climate? depending on where you live/what kind of wood you use, it won't last long unless you build very sturdily.

yeah, no offense, but i'll skip riding that handiwork.

Drmmrlittle

yeah sorry I just measured and it would be only about 10 feet up and 20 feet in length. I want it to be a simple downhill slope just enough to gain speed for a ramp in my backyard. the dirt is mostly hard but pretty forgiving weather since i live in california. im not sure what type of wood to use hoping you could help on that too.

Dannihilator

Have you ever done any drops?

scrublover

Hey, you kids get off my lawn!

Drmmrlittle

build any drops or ride drops?

WannaGetGood

I feel a step down coming on.

Zan

uhm... wait. you're building something for your backyard, or for the trails (in the forest)?

Is this a temp. project, or do you want it to last for years?

This is what I try to do for bridges / ladders in my area:

Cedar, if you can get it.

Don't space planks more than a couple inches. Pretend you own a dog (or, if you do, work with me). You want to be able to walk your dog up / down the thing without him/her slipping and putting a paw inbetween planks. This means no gaps more than two inches. I wouldn't make gaps smaller than an inch either if mud / dirt is a concern.

DON'T put planks parallel with your riding direction. Make it perpendicular.

California is pretty warm / dry ( I assume?). I suppose this means traction on the wood is not an issue. If however you feel it might be, you can nail some asphalt shingles to the planks. Another alternative which is good for muddy areas is to staple down chicken fencing (you know that wire stuff than has holes ~1-2 inches wide?). That'll give you a bit more grip.

For supporting struts, fresh fallen trees work well. You won't have to fork out the $ for the struts which can be expensive if you're poor like me. Don't go for rotted out trees (obvious reasons). There happen to be a lot of beaver, eh? in my area that chew down trees regularly and leave 'em along the trails. They seem to go for the good trees, so I often use them as supporting struts.

The projects I build are in the trails, and aren't meant to last forever. The bridges I've built have been around for a few years now and are still solid. The trails have been rerouted 'cause of em .

Drmmrlittle

Ok you just helped me a ton. I am going for a drop in type of ladder to get speed for a jump and the info you gave me would work perfect. ill post pics when im finished

Dannihilator

I'm more of a natural features person, though I really like railing berms.

S.D.XC

Now doesn't that make you feel good?