Episode 22 - Rich Bartlett

Space Brothers Podcast

When you think of the term BMX legend and you think of dirt jumping you don't have to wait long to hear the name Rich Bartlett. Rich is BMX to his core, and at age 51 he's enjoying the ride now more than ever. Rich started out racing and jumping BMX in the 1970s and quickly found his passion in life on two wheels. As quickly as his body grew, his name began to circulate within the industry and when BMX took off in the mid-80s, Rich was the perfect guy to become a test pilot for the magazines. He punished complete bikes and components alike with his 200 lb physique. He put everything the editors threw under him to the test and then some! Most sessions only took minutes before the subpar complete bikes would break or fall apart which left Rich to swap parts off his personal bike just to finish the test! Rich admittedly raced because he loved training so much but felt more at home at the trails, vert ramps, skateparks, and even some of the 2 Hip Meet The Street contests. Rich became very well known in the late 80s for being a really good well-rounded rider, but even more so for his humble and down to earth personality. We sat down with Rich and talked about creating the first ever King Of Dirt which also featured the first rhythm section, the support he received from his dad throughout the years, traveling to BMX nationals with money he won at the previous race, entering some of the early Meet The Street comps, starting a frame company called "Block Bikes", opening a bike shop in 2003, and a recent near-death injury that concluded with a positive outcome, not only physically but mentally, at a time he needed it most. So get comfortable, crank up your speakers, and get to know the Butcher, Rich Bartlett! To learn more about Rich Bartlett follow him on Instagram: @richbartlett23 or visit: blockbikes.com To learn more about Chip Riggs visit: chipriggs.com and/or follow him on Instagram: @chipriggs To learn more about Kip Williamson visit: masterblasterplanet.com and/or follow him on Instagram: @kipbmx To learn more about the Space Brothers Podcast visit: spacebrotherspodcast.com