Plotting out your transitions is not as complex as you would think it to be. All you need is 3/4 -inch plywood, a pencil and a string or chalk line.

I like to use a chalk line because you can pull it out to any length you want then lock it in place, also there is a metal tip on the end of the string for your pencil to fit into.

Deciding on what size transitions to use is a matter of preference. If you like quick transitions you will want anywhere from 5- to 7-foot transitions, if you want a mellow transition you will want to go bigger like 9- to 10-foot transitions. The most common sizes used are 8- to 9-foot transitions. Now your probably wondering what I mean when I say “ 8 to 9-foot transitions,” simply explained it is the length of the string you use to draw your transition with.

Notice that there are two templates on one sheet of plywood, this is because the template is no more than 4 feet high; anything taller than that and you will have to use more than one sheet for two templates.

Now, take your sheet of 3/4 -inch plywood and lay it flat on the ground so that when you are looking at it, the long edge is in front of you. Next measure in at least a foot on the top left hand side and down 4 inches if you need to get 2 templates out of one sheet, then take a 2x4 and place it on the bottom so that it is flush with the edge of the plywood and scribe a line. This will insure that when you draw your transition you have made room to add on your decks and flat bottom. If you are building a quarter pipe or something that you will be riding onto from the pavement, just draw the transition to the bottom right edge

After you have made your marks, measure out your string to the desired length. At this point you will need a friend’s help to position the end of the string so that when you draw your line, the pencil meets at both ends where you made your marks. You should also try to end your transition on your flat bottom mark so that you can add at least 6 inches of flat to the template this will help avoid a kink in the ramp.

If you want a ramp that is taller than 4 feet, you will need to use extra plywood to extend the template to the desired height.

You can also make your transitions elliptical, this means that your transition will progressively get quicker as you get closer to the coping. By placing a bucket near the pivot point of your string it will start to wrap along side the bucket causing your transition to become elliptical.

Once you have cut out your first transition template mark it as your template and use it to trace the rest of your transitions, this way you will know that each transition will be exactly the same!

Written By Brandon Cardone, Copyright 2006 BuildARamp.com