Today I reminded myself that I can be a prize idiot sometimes. Had a big coming together with a tree about 30 miles into a London to Brighton off-road ride on Sunday. Shortly after the crash, when pulling up hard on the bars, I heard a bit of a "click / crack" kind of noise. One grip was torn where the bars obviously hit the tree so I peeled back the grip and checked for damage, all looked ok. Also checked the rest of the bar and there was no sign of damage that I could see. I then rode on the remaining 40+ miles to Brighton. All was fine so I thought no more of it.
Regular Tuesday night ride tonight. Right at the start of the ride, crossing the road this happened…
All I got was a sore leg. I've driven home this evening trying not to think about those 40 miles I rode with a cracked handlebar, including at least a couple of fast & loose descents. Definitely dodged one there, no thanks to my stupidity.