Rcbjr--Unfortunately, although it would seem to be relatively simple for Blackberry to open rtf files as simple text files, you can't open an rtf at all--it's not even an option. The only way to do it is with a 3rd-party application.
Install G-Mail for blackberry...it converts Pdf, Doc, Rtf, and a gang o' other formats so' you can view them on your dingle...I mean crack...I mean blackberry. No pictures, but still swell...and FREE!