Starting Gate

[EZE]

I have been searching for some specifications for individual starting gates. We currently use the 2X4 method and smash the suckers into the snow and then set the wand on another post. The 2X4s while being biodeagradable, they are not pretty and they have a bit of sway when the big guys launch themselves out. Does anyone know of a site where I might be able to get some specs on these. I'm not looking for boardercross 4 person gates, just something I can have the machine shop bend and weld for me. I 've got a pretty good idea on what I need, was just looking to compare my ideas to some hard rule like numbers or another construction idea. Thanks for any info.

[Randy S.]

I haven't seen anything good for this. World Cup Supply or Reliable Racing would be the places to look, but I don't think they have anything. Here's my suggestion:

Cut a couple of "wings" out of steel and screw them to 4x4s. I'm thinking of steel cut to look like this:

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About 8" across the top and 6" across the bottom. Screw one at the bottom of the 4x4 and one just below where the snow level will be. Then when you drive the 4x4 (a 2x4 would work too) into the snow, there will be much more to pull against. The steel should be on the side facing the rider, so they don't pull right out of the wood.