Features

FIRST LOOK: Stuart Loudon

A Celebrated South African Shredder in London

Intro by Greg Illingworth
Photos and Qs by Robin Pearson

Stuart Loudon is a name some of you may be well aware of already – he’s a celebrated rider in South Africa, sponsored by Mongoose and has appeared in previous Ride UK features. Consequently, this is less of a ‘First Look’ and more of a ‘Shine Time’ piece, as Greg wanted to use the Vans Hijack to properly introduce Stu to the UK scene now he’s here…

“We’re leaving in 30 minutes” I say, knowing full well that we’ll leave an hour. 40 minutes later I shout, “I’m packing the car, let’s go!” I chill for a bit.

15 minutes later I’m standing at the car as everyone comes out to pack… Followed by Stu, who looks at me with a straight face and says,

“Are we leaving now? I’m just gonna take a quick shower and brush my teeth.”

We all load the car and wait for him. 15 minutes later I go back in to find him… Still in the bathroom…

“Stu let’s go!”

“Sorry dude, I had to shit and shave quick.”

That might not be 100% accurate but it sums up Stu’s laid back ‘it’s fine’ attitude that I love about him. It’s strange to be introducing Stu, he has been at the top of BMX in South Africa for years. He’s made amazing video parts, been to pretty much every contest around the country for more than 6 years… usually placing top 3 whether it was street, park or dirt. Thinking back on those times with him, what I remember the most is creasing with laughter every time I was around him.

Stu is a giant, but he’s one of those friendly ones that makes you laugh a lot and rides good. I’m sure the SA scene is sad that he’s has moved over here but I am selfishly so stoked to be riding with him again! –Greg Illingworth

– What’s your background and how long have you been living in the UK?

“I grew up riding bikes and wild animals all over South Africa then decided to make the move over to London about 5 months ago and I’m stoked. Couldn’t be happier.”

– What was it like riding with Greg back home and then here? You guys have quite different riding styles but I guess you can both enjoy pretty much any spot…?

“Greg and I have always gotten along very well despite how different we are, haha. It was awesome to have a friend from home show me around and give me an introduction you could say. Coming from a place that didn’t really have the most to offer kind of forces you into being an all round rider so I enjoy riding basically everything.”

– How are you getting on with London spots?

“The abundance of spots in London is awesome and refreshing. I enjoy being able to just take a pedal and ride a handful of spots or parks whereas back home we’d drive from spot to spot seeing as they were so far from each other. Also, seeing stuff I’ve seen in videos and mags over the years gets me really hyped just being there.”

– What do you do for work?

“I’m currently working for a removals firm in Wimbledon.”

– Are you working on any BMX projects at the moment?

“Not really, apart from the odd clips I film with Greg over the weekends. I am keen but it’s just a matter of taking some time off work and going on some trips.”

– Any big plans for this summer?

“Yeah, kind of just playing it by ear but I’ve got my first trip over to Barcelona booked for August so I’m really looking forward to that and exploring and riding all over the UK in general. A few festivities in between couldn’t hurt either, haha…”