Lawrence Malone, a cyclo-cross champion in the 1970s and a member of the U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame, died Monday in a car accident near Lancaster, California.

Malone won five consecutive U.S. cyclocross championships between 1975 and 1979.

He also raced in Europe, earning the nickname 'Der Springer' and being the first to bunny hop the barrier when Switzerland was a major cyclocross hub.

Malone retired from racing in 1980, but continued to coach and share his knowledge as a writer for Velonews and Bicycling magazines, inspiring the next generation of cross racers.

A free spirit, Malone hastened his retirement, preferring to have fun and hone his skills over long, grueling saddle work. He lived a simple life, salvaging bicycles from junkyards, restoring them, and selling or donating them to underprivileged children.

According to Cyclocross magazine, Malone was driving home to Chimayo, New Mexico, after a ride in Ojai, California, when he had a head-on collision with a truck on Highway 138 west of Lancaster, California.

Malone has an 8-year-old son who lives in Mexico.