How did the wide handle bars feel on that winding bike path compared to your suicide bars?
I still prefer my little stubby handlebar, especially on the flats. I rode exclusively with them for better part of a year and a half. That is about 25K miles. It is hard to go back to the full handlebar. Biggest issue I have is it getting in the way of getting going and sharp turns.
I am still very twitchy on the full handlebar as well. For instance letting go with one hand to get my water bottle I weave all over the place, whereas with my stubby handlebar I was rock solid just holding onto the bar a few inches from center. It will come in time. I'll probably be used to them by the time RAAM is over, then I'll want to change them back to the stubby for the pure speed to do some velodrome events in July.
The plus side is for the climbing - more leverage.