The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

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🚴 Caught in the Storm: The Night I Thought I Might Die in Bowie, Texas

In 2016, I set off on a memorable bicycle tour from Lubbock, Texas, to Pensacola, Florida. The first two days were intense, with each ride pushing 100 miles. By day three, things had slowed down a bit as I pedaled from Seymour to Bowie. The ride itself was uneventful, but what happened that night would be burned into my memory forever.

Decision Time in Bowie

Once in Bowie, I grabbed a bite at a local restaurant and mulled over whether to get a hotel or camp out. The forecast showed a slight chance of rain the next morning around 9:30, so I figured I had time to sleep under the stars. I headed over to Bowie High School and camped out under a canopy near a small lake — a quiet, shaded area with a picnic table and enough room to set up my tent.

The breeze felt amazing after riding in over 100-degree heat. I left the tent’s top cover open to let it flow through. It felt peaceful. I fell asleep quickly.

Thunder, Lightning, and Terror

That peace shattered when pounding rain suddenly slammed the metal canopy above me. Almost simultaneously, a bolt of lightning cracked nearby, followed instantly by an ear-splitting clap of thunder. Within seconds, the wind-driven rain was blowing sideways into my tent. I scrambled to protect my phone in a plastic bag, just in case I needed it — and it turns out I did.

Lightning flashed and thunder boomed nonstop. I was lying in a tent, under a metal roof, next to a lake, in an increasingly intense thunderstorm. I was soaked. I was scared. I knew I had to act.

Calling for Help

I dialed 911.

I could barely hear the operator over the storm, but I managed to tell her where I was and asked for help. Minutes later, a police officer pulled into the school parking lot and started honking his horn. I sprinted across 50 yards of open field, praying I wouldn’t be struck by lightning. Once inside the patrol car, I learned how serious the situation was — roads were flooding fast, and he had to detour because one crossing was already underwater. He told me I was lucky. The spot where I had been camped was now taking on most of the runoff.

The Coldest Lobby Ever

The officer dropped me off at the police station, where I spent the night shivering in the lobby under a blasting air conditioner. The woman at the desk told me she kept the A/C cold to help her stay awake. It worked for me, too — I was soaked, wide awake, and freezing. No towel was offered — they were reserved for inmates.

After the Storm

At dawn, another officer drove me back to my campsite. The damage was bad. My trailer had tipped over, and everything inside was soaked. I spent the morning hanging my clothes and gear across the canopy rafters to dry in the warm breeze. I still had to ride that day — tired, cold, and sleep-deprived.

Later, I read that over 5,000 lightning strikes had hit the area during that storm. Based on how close some of them felt, I believe it.

Lessons Learned

That night taught me a lot — about weather, about fear, and about being prepared. I’m thankful I trusted my gut and called for help. I’m grateful for the kind officers who got me out of danger. And I’ll never again underestimate the power of nature when I’m out on tour.

Another Story from the Road