Menlo Park man dies in solo bike crash Menlo Park man dies in solo bike crash (August 11, 2004)

An active and multifaceted life came to an abrupt end last week when Menlo Park resident James Dean Mills -- an experienced bicycle racer and lifelong cyclist -- crashed into a guardrail and died on an afternoon ride with friends on Highway 17 near Los Gatos.

Mr. Mills, 65, failed to negotiate a turn while traveling downhill at about 30 mph at about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, August 4. His bike struck a guardrail and he was thrown off the bike and into a chain link fence, said Officer Les Bishop of the California Highway Patrol.

The cause of death was blunt force injuries to the head and thorax, the Santa Clara County coroner said. He was wearing a helmet, Mr. Bishop said.

Mr. Mills retired about five years ago from a 25-year career in software engineering and management at Digital Equipment Corp. and Intel, said his son-in-law Brad Devroude of Boise.

Mr. Mills' many interests changed over time, Mr. Devroude said, from gardening, rock climbing, sailing, skiing and hiking to his most recent focus on bicycle racing. Wine, jazz, French cooking and photography were among the constants in his life.

While in France, Mr. Mills completed three of the mountainous legs of the Tour de France, Mr. Devroude said. He was also a big fan of six-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong.

A memorial service for Mr. Mills is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 10, at the Gamble Garden Center at 1431 Waverley St. in Palo Alto.

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