Stumpy gates are used in BMX racing.
BMX racers start every race behind a stumpy gate. This starting gate is set at an angle and has a flat panel at the front that drops down at the beginning of a race. To become quicker off the start, some racers have their own stumpy gate at home where they can practice. When building your own stumpy gate, it doesn't have to be a complex structure. A simple wood stumpy gate might not look great, but it will do the job.
Instructions
1. Lay out the frame of the stumpy gate bike platform. The 4-foot boards form the ends of the frame with the 4-foot 9-inch boards sandwiched between as the sides. Place the 3-foot 9-inch stud along the center of the frame (widthwise) as a support.
2. Predrill two holes at each joint for the flat heat wood screws. Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them.
3. Place the plywood sheet on top of the frame. Secure it to the frame with nails along the sides of the frame and the center stud.
4. Set the wire mesh fencing down over top of the plywood surface. Hammer in nails so that it's fastened tightly to the plywood. The mesh creates more traction between the platform and the bike wheels when the rider starts off.
5. Install hinges to the front end of the platform. Set the hinges at both ends, turned inwards so that the gate opens outwards.
6. Attach the galvanized pipe to either the right or left side of the plank (near the edge) using the U-bolts. Mark the location where the bolts will pass through the plank and drill holes. Lay the pipe in between the holes and clamp it to the plank with the U-bolts. Secure the bolts to the plank on the other side of the wood using the accompanying nuts. Make sure that the U-bolts are as tight as can be so that the pipe doesn't slip.
7. Attach the plank to the other side of the hinges with the pipe facing toward the platform. The plank forms the actual gate part of the stumpy gate. The pipe attached to the side allows it to be raised and lowered easily.
8. Place a pair of concrete blocks under the back end of the stumpy gate. The three different dimensions of the blocks (length, width, height) will allow you to change the elevation of the platform.
Tags: stumpy gate, frame with, other side, plank other, plank other side