"yep, I was there."
Tom Milton, 2009 Terrible Two
Self Portrait
"Nothing perfect lasts forever.
Except in our memories."
From the poster to the movie: "A River Runs Through It"
This is a place where people who loved Tom Milton may feel free to write a memory they have of him, a story, or to say goodbye to a good friend. Please share your thoughts by clicking on the "Comments" at the bottom of the tribute below. You need not be a cyclist to share a memory here.
Sadly, Tom Milton passed away while riding the Devil Mountain Double on April 24, 2010. Tom was inducted into the California Triple Crown Hall of Fame in 2009 in recognition of him completing 50 Double Centuries in the California Triple Crown Series. Tom loved these hard rides and he tackled the most challenging of them all as shown in his California Triple Crown History Report HERE
Tom was a gifted inventor and was the owner of Selle An-Atomica.
Debra Banks, a good friend of Tom, wrote me:
"Chuck,
It is with deep sadness that we are passing along this news. Tom Milton (Selle An-Atomica) collapsed and died of a heart attack while riding the Devil Mountain Double this past Saturday, about 3 miles from the summit of Mt. Hamilton. Lee Mitchell was on the scene, as were a number of cyclists who were the first responders. Earlier in the day, those who rode with him said he was happy, smiling, enjoying the weather, the fine company and fine day. The community was right there with him during his time of need. His girlfriend went to San Ramon Saturday evening to piece together information and collect Tom's things.
For those who knew Tom, we hope you'll remember him well. His passion for life, cycling and the betterment of both was his primary goal. He was a lover of the finer things in life and would go on about how we should all fully enjoy a fine wine, good tequila, a beautiful day, friends and worthy conversation. Whenever someone was hurt or in need, he could be counted on to assist in any manner he could. He could positively cajole a peer into riding farther or faster with his wit and support, while his smile and good humor warmed many in the middle of a long dark road. We were privileged to have known him and to have shared many of our Triple Crown roads with him.
You can send a card to the family at:
PO Box 2424
Fairfield, CA 94533
Keep riding your bikes, enjoying life and raise a glass of your finest beverage to Tom. He will be missed."
Barbara Anderson wrote on the Davis Bike Club e-mail list:
"DBCers,
I have just learned that Tom Milton died yesterday, apparently of heart-related causes, while riding the Devil Mountain Double. Tom rode many of the DBC's ultra-distance events, including numerous DCs and brevet series. Another rider on the Devil Mtn Double who rode some distance with Tom yesterday wrote an account of the day on his blog. Here's the link:
http://bikeridestories.blogspot.com/2010/04/2010-dmd.html.
I didn't know Tom well at all; all of our interaction took place over the years at the DC's pre-ride registration. I know he was an experienced rider and will be missed by the cycling community. If anyone hears of pending services, perhaps the information could be shared on this list. My sympathies to Tom's family and friends.
Barbara"
