Mountain biking 101: How to ride Paul's Plunge

September 8, 6:51 PMMichigan Mountain Biking ExaminerDiane Ursu

Paul’s Plunge is a spectator favorite during the Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival.  It is also quite the accomplishment for riders who can clean the scary, technical descent.  After getting past the fear of tackling this cross-country, downhill challenge, Paul’s Plunge can be cleared with a few simple steps.

• Look where you want to go.  It is important to follow your intended line with your eyes.  Your bike will go where you look, even if it is not where you intend to go.
• Get your butt off of your seat!  The plunge is steep, so getting your butt off the saddle and over the rear tire will help keep your bike balanced.
• Use the front brake.  The hill is so steep that the rear brake really has no power and will most likely cause skidding of the rear tire with too much pressure.  Gently use the front brake and gradually increase pressure to maintain speed and control down the hill.
• Take it slowly.  There are some fearless, god-like mountain bikers who can get down the plunge in 1.2 seconds, but most of us will need to take much more time and tackle the descent at a slow pace.  This will require quite a bit of pressure from the front brake.

Paul’s Plunge is divided in two sections.  Many riders favor the left line down the top part.  The ground levels out just long enough to regain a little courage.  The bottom part of the plunge is the real test.  The favored line for 2009 is to begin on the left side and crossover to the right just before reaching the bottom.  More daring riders will hold the left line to launch off of a rock.  No matter which line a rider chooses to take, completing Paul’s Plunge is no small feat.