Save your life in a thunderstorm

Spring starts the T-storm season. In fact, one is rumbling near the RBR HQ as this is being written.

When you're on a ride and hear thunder, the storm is within 15 miles. Plan fast. It could be moving at better than 50 mph -- toward you!

Ed once tried to ride though an electrical storm in Florida. One bolt flashed so close over his head that he swears he heard the air "burn." No wonder --lightning is about 50,000F degrees, which is 4 times hotter than the sun's surface.

You don't want to mess with that. Each year about 95 Americans do and don't live to tell about it. Use these tips when a thunderstorm is chasing you down.

Get inside a building (safest place).

Get away from anything metal, including your bike.

Get out from under lone trees or a group of tall trees.

Get low in a ditch or gully, but not in a streambed.

If you're in an open space and feel your hair stand on end (yes, it really happens), crouch on the balls of your feet, put your head between your legs, and kiss your butt goodbye . . . no, just kidding! Actually, experts say that this position could allow a bolt to pass through your body without fatal damage. But don't lie down!