My friend down the street sold his bike and gave me the ramp ends that he had bought. Originally he was using a 2x8 piece of lumber for the ramp. I’m chicken so I got two 2x10 pieces and set them up so I can bolt them together (2x4s underneath). So now I have a ramp that is about 18” wide and 8’ feet long.
The ramp works pretty well, I found that if I back up toward the drive way the bed of the truck and the drive way are a lot closer together and riding the bike up the ramp is a lot less scary. The evidence speaks for itself:
So I can load the bike by myself. Unfortunately, I’ve not figured out how to unloaded it alone. My neighbor came over and helped me unload and showed me a trick. Initially I thought he would stand beside the ramp on the other side from me. Instead he held the rear handle and straddled the ramp. He just walked backward while I held the brake and steered. Really easy.
I’m happy that I can load the bike, turn it a little and then close the rear gate. I won’t be as worried about the bike rolling out accidentally now. The next trick will be loading the ramps along with all my other gear and actually fastening the bike in so that it won’t tip over.
All in all though – I’m ready for my first track day.
Oh, originally I was going to try to set it up so I could get two bikes in back. There is just enough room that it would be possible. However, the rear gate would have to be left open and I’m not sure I would have room for everything else I want to bring. Eventually I’ll get a trailer. But for now I won’t be able to carry a buddy’s bike to the track with me.