Carl Decker
Bend native Carl Decker is a professional mountain bike racer for Giant Bicycles. He is a single-speed world champion and was a member of Bob Latham’s dominant Bend high cross country teams of the 1990s. Look for Decker in the upcoming Cyclocross National Championships in Bend. COA has him a few questions:
COA: Have you always loved riding bikes?
Carl Decker: Of course. Bikes are fun.
COA: When did you do your first bike race, can you remember it?
CD: In 1984 I did the Cascade Cruise MTB race. It started at Mt. Bachelor and went near Broken Top before descending into Shevlin Park, 31 miles later. I was 9, so I did it on my BMX.
COA: Do you have a favorite workout in Central Oregon?
CD: I do a lot of intervals on Pilot Butte, 12th street, and Summit Drive.
COA: Do you have a favorite place to ride in Central Oregon?
CD: Anywhere but Pilot Butte, 12th street, or Summit Drive. I like the Black Rock loop a lot.
COA: Do you feel like you’ve ridden every trail Bend has to offer?
CD: Not even close. And if I ever do, COTA will make more, which is nice.
COA: What has been your greatest accomplishment in bike racing?
CD: This year, it’s going undefeated (4 of 4) in the National Super D series.
COA: What’s coming up for you?
CD: Cyclocross Nationals are in Bend in 3 weeks, so I’m just trying to keep it together until then. After that, skiing, rally car racing, and Deschutes Brewery loitering until next season.
COA: Anything else to add?
CD: I should probably thank the Rebound Sport Performance Lab for helping me out all the time.