Block Bikes was started September 11th, 2003 as a clubhouse to support the Block Alternatives BMX team. Block Alternatives is a screen-printing and sportswear business that started back in the fall of 1991. Block Racing, the original brand, had started out as a frame built by Cyclecraft in Kingsport Tennessee which Rich Bartlett had been sponsored by in 1990.
Block Bikes was voted the #1 Bicycle Shop in the Antelope Valley by the AV Press. About Rich Bartlett:
“Richard was one of BMX’s first young entrepreneurs who inspired countless would-be BMXers to get on their bikes and ride. In the seventies, “The Butcher” helped create a Mecca for “Dirt Jumpers” in Palmdale, CA at the once famous Palmdale U and in his backyard in Quartz Hill, CA. The list of riders who have ridden with Richard stretches from Tim “Fuzzy” Hall to Gary Ellis and beyond. Richard created the first “King of Dirt” jumping competition in 1987. A year later, he competed in the first ABA “King of Dirt” at the 1988 Grands. Through the 80’s, Richard promoted bicycle ramp and box stunt shows and toured the US, Canada and Europe promoting BMX and bicycle stunt riding. Richard’s “Northern Hemisphere Tour of 1987-91” produced a pioneering video, one of the first videos to be dedicated to BMX, dirt, trails, ramps and street riding. This video highlighted the first “King of Dirt”, Richard’s touring and many young riders, including Fuzzy, Richie Anderson, Dave Cullinan, Billy Harris, Chris Daley, Brain Foster and Travis Chipres. Richard was a trend setter in BMX fashion with his “U-Local” wear and later Block. Richard went on to market his own bike, the Block, one of the first bikes built for dirt jumping. He was also a test rider for some of the more prominent BMX magazines.”