Getting to Know: Part Time DH Racer, Part Time Hucker Reece Potter

Reece Potter

Reece Potter is a down to earth 25 year-old resident of Queenstown, NZ. Working 9 hour days in a building apprenticeship, Reece still manages to get to the gym and out for a ride every day. Following in the the path of the old style huckers before him, he sends the gaps that would make you and I cringe in fear. We chat with Reece about his custom painted Carbon Jack and Darkmatter, how he joined up with Antidote Bikes, and his plans for the future.

Describe yourself.

I’m a 25 year old Kiwi who has been riding bikes for the last 12 years. I’m a part-time Downhill racer, part-time Enduro specialist, and part-time hucker. In the winter months, I just pretend that I'm better at skiing than I really am.

Where are you from and where do you live?

I am originally from Takaka (the commune), which is pretty much the most hippy town in New Zealand. But I've been living in Queenstown since the age of 18.

Who do you ride for?

Antidote Bikes, Loose Riders, Vertigo Bikes, E-Thirteen, Box Components, and Blue Shark.

What’s been your worst crash over the years?

The crash where I broke my femur filming “Reece Potter takes Flight”. When it snapped the bone managed to sever one of the nerve branches in my lower quad muscle. This caused the receptors on the lower third of my quad to stop receiving messages causing muscle loss and now I have a funny looking leg. Luckily it hasn’t caused any other issues and the surrounding muscles have just compensated, so I don’t even notice it.

How did you get involved with Antidote Bikes?

Kinda funny actually, I was just scrolling through Pinkbike and you guys had posted an article from Eurobike on the Darkmatter. I honestly thought it was the coolest looking bike, so I sent them an email to see if they were interested in helping me out. I honestly didn’t even think I would get a reply. However I was wrong and now here we are today.

You have a few custom painted bikes, could you tell us about those?

Sure do! Antidote Bikes are an awesome company, the first year I rode for them the Darkmatter they sent out to NZ had a custom paint job that was a complete surprise and it turned out epic. This year I got to choose so I went for maroon. It’s different and there are very few bikes in the industry this color.

Where’s your favorite place to ride?

Honestly, if I had to pick one track it would have to be Schladming. The dirt and corners are insane and I have great memories from riding there. But I am biased and believe Queenstown has some of the best riding in the world. There's a huge variety of riding, from dream track and dirt jumps, to downhill and trail riding.

Do you have any big projects or trips planned for 2019?

No trips planned as of yet sadly, it's hard to escape the Queenstown bubble. I definitely have some cool filming projects in the pipeline that I am looking forward to.

How did you get into mountain biking?

When I was a young whipper-snapper, I began riding BMX at the Takaka skate park as there wasn’t a whole lot else to do (small town syndrome). I slowly progressed to some XC and trail riding and looked up to the older guys hanging around the local shop with their downhill bikes. I was probably one of the most uncool riders around, with an old flogged out Kona and narrow bars. Big thanks to Leo and Veronique Sandler for helping change that.

Who’s your favorite rider?

I don’t have a favorite individual in particular. I think that any pro who is down to earth and doesn't take themselves too seriously but also makes time to talk to the underdogs, privateers and fans is a winner in my eyes.

Who or what inspires you?

To be honest, you’ll probably laugh at this, but the 3 focus trailer and “why we love downhill” video have always been motivating. Give them a watch before you go for a ride and you’ll be amped. No slow mo just old school fast, loose riding and Hill was on top (of the downhill world).

What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?

I love skiing, however I do get a bit depressed watching how good the top athletes are. I feel like trying other sports makes you appreciate how talented and skilled other athletes are.

What’s something you believe that other people think is crazy?

This isn’t something I believe but is a fact I recently acquired... believe it or not the Mongolian navy once consisted of only a tug boat and seven men!

What’s your favorite motto or saying?

“What's the worst that can happen”… I’ve stopped saying it though, as that's what I said before I broke my leg.

What annoys you?

Bad drivers! No shortage of them in Queenstown.

What makes you happy?

The feeling after pioneering a gap for the first time. The nerves before it and the feeling of relief after.

Where do you think the future of freeride is headed?

Honestly, I would guess bigger, better, and badder. #gobigorgohome

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