Collected "Escape" from the farmer's field and thought I had given everything the once over before towing her the 1 mile back home to sort her out for the season (yes I know a rather late start to the season). On the way back, fortunately at slow speed, there were some unpleasant noises and in the wing mirror I saw the mast bounce into the road. Luckily no other cars around. On inspection the bungee used to hold the mast horizontally in place to the mast foot had broken. In retrospect obvious that a bungee that had been out in the winter was likely to be suspect.
Fortunately apart from some scuffs the mast appears fine. Anyone suggest any way to check the mast is OK other than visual inspection?