Jake G. Watson; Professional Bicycle Racer

Avid cyclist Jake G. Watson of Oak Park died Friday while competing in a mountain bike race at Lake Isabella in Kern County. He was 25.

A competitive bike rider since age 4, Watson was affectionately called “Earthquake Jake,” because of his physical size and his ability to make the earth quiver as he rumbled by racing competitors. He rose to the rank of professional racer before he graduated from Agoura High School. For five years, Watson held the world record in the “bunny hop,” earned by bouncing 42 1/2 inches during the 1992 world competition.

Born Dec. 5, 1973, in Westlake Village, Watson aspired to become a firefighter, and he worked with the La Habra Fire Department and the Schaffer Paramedic Department.

Watson is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mary and Dennis Linn; a sister, Wendy Knapp; three brothers, David Watson, Michael Watson and Joshua Watson; grandparents Frank and Jean Butler and Ona Tochi; and great-grandmother Catherine Parent.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. today at St. Jude Apostle Church in Westlake Village. Interment will be private.