Turning a Vision into Reality
Kate grew up in Sydney Australia where she lead a very active outdoor lifestyle. At 22 years of age Kate moved to London to pursue a career in teaching and personal training. However Kate crossed paths with future husband and mountain bike guide Ian Potter who taught Kate how to ride a mountain bike. 1 year later Kate started guiding and worked in Greece, Portugal, France and the UK. The following year Kate started mountain bike racing and during the next 10 years raced all over the world, including representing Australia at 2 world championships.
During their travels Kate fell in love with Luchon, a Pyrenees town regarded by the french as the 'Queen of the Pyrenees'. Luchon soon became Kate & Ian's home. At the same time Kate started teaching Yoga and Pilates, whilst helping Ian manage his Mountain Bike & Road Cycling Holiday Company 'A Quick Release Holidays'. Kate's dream has always been to create a Company in France that could combine all their skills into one. Following their purchase and rennovation of an old derelict building,'Luchon Holidays Activities & Services' came to life.
Following a Dream
Ian Potter fell in love with riding a bike from the age of 2! Since then Ian has raced at British national level, before working as a mountain bike guide for almost 30 years. Ian has guided throughout Europe, including the UK, Greece, Portuagl and France. Ian has also worked as a bike mechanic and mountain bike skills coach.
Ian spent time working as bike mechanic for the Australian junior national team and also worked as mechanic for Australian Mountain Bike Team at three world championships.
Ian also has several City & Guilds qualifications in joinery & carpentary. When Ian moved to Luchon he registered at the Chambres de Metiers and shares his time between guiding, rennovation and maintenance projects.
Ian took an old derelict building and turned it into the Luchon Holidays Bike Centre. The centre has a Bike shop, Yoga studio and by the end of 2023 will have two rental properties that will be able to sleep up to 14 people.
On top of all this Ian is now working back on the race circuit and is the mechanic for the Tribe Pyrenees Gravity Race Team.
Kate Potter
Co-Founder & Creative Director
