I use two 2"x12"x8' planks to load and unload the bikes. On one of them, I made a tounge out of some steel plate so it makes a smooth transition for the bike's tires from the tailgate onto the ramp. I left the other ramp blank and that is the one I walk up and down on while loading/unloading. I never liked using a stand and having to make the steps up and down. I prefer the ramp board to walk on so I am at the same level as the bike as I go up and down. I usually have lots of overlap to the tailgate, maybe 6 to 8 inches.
I was backing my WR426 out and as I started to straighten out the bike to center the rear tire on the ramp, I must have put too much weight onto the walking ramp causing it to slide on the hard packed dirt until the top end of the ramp went past the lip of the tailgate. The ramp went down, I dropped straight down and the bike followed. Jill told me she heard it and looked out the back window and only saw the front wheel of the bike on the tailgate. I don't remember that because I was hitting on my butt and then flopped back until the back of my head hit the dirt. I didn't see much point in lying on the ground hurting so I got up and determined that it still hurt. It was noticeable pain during the ride but the motions made during normal riding didn't cause more pain. Only once when the bars pulled on my arms as the front end took a dip did I get hit with a sharp increase in pain. Besides, I drove up there, I needed to get my money's worth so if I wasn't broken, I was a riding!
I guess the full weight of the bike didn't end up on me. I only have one little mark in the middle of my chest. I guess the flop to my back was hard enough to deep bruise only and not break any bones. The full effect of that started to hit me Sunday morning as Jill and I were walking in to the Sand and Sports show at the Orange County fairgrounds. I mowed the lawn late in the afternoon because I could pull the start cord OK but that is when the muscle spasms started. They continued today while I was at work, just sitting at my desk so I headed for the walk-in clinic. Fortunately, the spasms hit only when I was stopped at a red like coming out of the parking structure.
Lesson learned for me is to make sure my ramps are secured to the truck. I'll fashion some tie points for some straps and sure as hell use them next time out for a ride.