Chris Hipp, a former professional bike rider and a founding member at Blade Systems Alliance, died Tuesday morning, July 14, during a bike ride on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park.

A memorial bike ride is planned for 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, starting at Form Fitness, 445 Bryant St. in Palo Alto. Contact Sassan at (408) 666-8844 for more information.

Mr. Hipp, 47, was a Redwood City resident. The cause of death won't be released for several weeks, said a spokeswoman with the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office.

Menlo Park police said Mr. Hipp collapsed while riding his bicycle in the 800 block of Sand Hill Road at around 6:45 a.m.

Mr. Hipp originated, designed and patented the then revolutionary concept of low power consumption, ultra-dense Blade Servers, according to his biography on his Web site www.Hippster.com.

He was well-known in local cycling circles, and news of his death spread rapidly online.

For comments and stories from people whow knew Chris Hipp, check out this blog.

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