P.I.S.S.

Post IBR Stress Syndrome:  A milder form of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) where the rider experiences continued stress related to performing in the Iron Butt Rally.  There are four symptoms:

Reliving the event

Memories of the event can come back at any time. You may feel the same anxiety and tension you did when the event took place. You may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback. Sometimes there is a trigger: a sound or sight that causes you to relive the event. Triggers might include:

• Seeing a motorcycle on the highway
• Getting gas in your car or truck
• Instantly look at your speedometer at the sight of LEO, even when you know you're not speeding
• Waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you must dash out and ride to some vague destination

Avoiding situations that remind you of the event

You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the IBR. You may even avoid talking or thinking about it.

• When asked about your participation in the IBR you may minimize the exciting or uncomfortable details
• You are reluctant to bring up the IBR in conversations with friends and family
• You procrastinate dealing with post IBR issues regarding your motorcycle
• You dread looking at the leg routes you did while on the clock for fear of seeing what you missed.
• The sight of a Cliff bar makes you want to rush out and get a double Whooper with cheese, super-sized fries and a large shake

Feeling Numb

You may find it hard to express your feelings about the IBR. This is another way to avoid memories.

• You may not have positive or loving feelings towards your motorcycle, other peoples motorcycles  and may stay away from the bike dealership
• You may not be interested in riding, planning a trip or anything to do with routing
• You may forget about parts of the IBR that hold valuable lessons or not be able to talk about them.
• You haven't touched your rally flag, plaque or opened your rally book since getting home

Feeling Keyed Up

You may be alert and on the lookout for things that might cause you a delay. This is known as increased emotional arousal. It can cause you to:

• Suddenly become excited or irritable.
• Have a hard time sleeping.
• Have trouble concentrating.
• Fear your actions are not optimal or experience efficiency anxiety.
• Have racing thoughts (but not at excessive speed)

Other symptoms?

Treatments may include but are not limited to:

• Exposure therapy -- Go for a ride, no plan, no schedule, no route
• Equipment recovery -- Detail your motorcycle, riding gear and equipment
• After Action Report -- Do a thorough ride report detailing all lessons learned on the IBR (Working on it)
• Physical training -- Start or continue a physical training program (IBR 2015 is just 750 days away)
• Accumulate fund$ -- Open a IBR15 savings account