Based on my very limited experience of watching others do it, and helping loading my own bikes into vans, I don't think it's as easy as you think.
Not being funny, Ruth, but wasn't it you that was saying the other day you weren't prepared to tackle a paddock stand (apologies if not)?
I'd gently suggest that putting a bike on a paddock stand is much easier (especially for one person) than manoeuvering it up a ramp into a van.
I'd say that, apart from from the brawny and/or experienced, it was a 2-person job.
And I've never seen anyone ride a bike up a ramp (well, apart from Evil Knievel
). Headroom issues, I assume, and/or ramp stability. If it was feasible, I'm sure they'd all do it.
[Edited on 28-3-2005 by moto748]
[Edited on 28-3-2005 by moto748]