Oregon Cycling Magazine

(T. Kenji Sugahara interviews Carl Decker, of Giant/Pearl Izumi)

by T Kenji Sugahara

K-Man: To get us started, let’s get a little background info from you. Where were you born, what are your vital stats, what lives in your backyard…

Deckerator: I’m 6’tall, 160 lbs, bald hair, blue eyes, 32 years of age. I’ve been a Bendite since ‘81 when I moved from the Oregon Coast. Quail, Bunnies, Chimpmunks, and a VW Beetle.

OK… how about friends? You’re teammates with Adam Craig, who’s tougher? You or Adam?

Adam Craig is tougher. He’s from Maine. Smart too. He’s FROM Maine.

How did you like growing up in Bend? Have you seen a lot of changes? Have they been for the good, bad or has it been a mixed bag?

I’m really lucky to live in Bend. A lot of the growth has been for the worse, but it will be a long time before this place sucks. I’m just happy about roundabouts. Stoplights are lame-o.

Anything that made you decide to stay in Bend?

I went to U. of Portland for four years (BS Criminal Justice) and was gone long enough to appreciate what we have here.

What do you like most about the area?

I like the climate and the geography around Bend. I like snow in the winter. I usually take a big break in the winter.

Who’s the best athlete in your talented family? You, your brother, your mom or your dad?

I’m the best athlete in the family. I have many trophies and medallions. That doesn’t make me the best person though. But it helps.

What do you remember about your early races? Do you remember hearing all the other racers go “oh crap, the Decker brothers are here?” Or was it the look of pain on everyone else’s faces as they chased you around the course?

Late in races I used to pass grown men who would double take, shift up three gears, attack, crack, and then throw their bikes in the bushes when I’d pass them again. I was 9. They were slow.

What has been your favorite race so far? Why?

The world cup at Ft William Scotland is something special. I’m not good at it, but the course is fantastic. Pan Am Championships in Medellin, Columbia were an amazing adventure. Wonderful place and people. Too bad about the kidnapping rebels everywhere. I’d totally go back.

Were you competitive with your brother? Inside sources tell us that you made all of the other racers hurt when you would chase each other around the race course.

Chris and I were best friends on and off the bike. Of course we wanted to beat each other, but there weren’t as many mano a mano battles as you’d expect. He was riding while I was in college running, or I was riding while he was partying, or whatever. On paper, we were equals on foot and on the bike.

Sources say you and your brother have a pain switch whereas most people have a pain dimmer. Can you tell us a little bit about this switch? Can we stop by the local Home Depot to pick one up?

I’m Propane. And I Vote.

(K-man thinks: Hmm… note… no pain switch… he just enjoys it… ) All things being relative… an epic ride for K-Man being anything over 50 miles with hills, what’s yours? Did you bonk?

Rode to Portland with Brother Christopher in 1997. Took Breitenbush pass from Detroit. It was closed from the ‘96 floods. We bonked to the moon and didn’t see food, water, or car until we were in Clackamas. We ate burgers, fries, and 49 oz shakes, slept for a half hour, and finished her up. 181 miles in 9 hours flat. I’m still getting over it.

What’s your most embarrassing moment on the bike?

Looping out a wheelie on my BMX and landing on my coccyx in front of me mates.

You seem like an adventurous guy, have you ever gotten naked on your bike? Like in Arizona?

Naked Dune run in Death Valley once. Slap factor precluded any repeat performances.

How much training does the Deckerator need during an average week to stomp all over the competition?

12 hours.

I asked Sal this question… does shaving your head make you go faster?

Yes, because you are riding away from the shame.

With your amazing career, what’s your most memorable moment on your bike?

Winning the NORBA Short track at Infineon on a road bike a few years ago. Photo finish with a reversal.

Did OBRA help you develop as a rider?

Yeah. Oregon has a badass race scene. Having cheap, well run races close to home is important for learning the ropes. Travelling to NORBAs is expensive and unnecessary for most Oregonians.

Any parting words to aspiring Pro Mt. Bikers?

It’s supposed to be fun. Don’t worry about getting uberfast overnight. You really need about 10 years to find out what you’re capable of. If you’re gonna make it that long, it better be fun.

K-Man is a cyclist, racer, and blogger extraordinaire! For a good time, come visit him at www.obra3.com

Possibly Related

• September 2006: Dave Campbell interviews George Hincapie
• August 2007: A conversation with Jan VanderTuin of Human Powered Machines
• June 2008: Catching up to Chris Horner
• November 2006: OBRA's sweetest volunteer retires after 25 years
• August 2006: Campbell on Landis: the time is now