Bike course: water bottle of Camelback

[btchance]

I'm doing a sprint tri next weekend, and a water bottle is enough for that distance, but I'm not sure that using it is the best idea. I'm not the steadiest in the world reaching down for it and putting it up, although I can do it with no major problems as long as I have a straight stretch. However, after riding the course today, I discovered that there is really no such area, you are either climbing or descending on serpentine curves with no shoulder or dealing with pretty heavy traffic in a shopping center (and no, the course isn't closed. I'm just hoping that the shops don't open up until after we're done).

What do you girls think? Give up a little time in transition to put the cambelback on and be comfortable when I need water on the bike, or just use the water bottle and suck it up? Or do you have a better idea?

Thanks!!

[Nanci]

Would you use the Camelback on the run, too, and then be able to drink whenever you want, not just every mile?

Nanci

[Lise]

If you're comfy with the Camelbak, use it. The time it takes to sling it on your back in T1 and off in T2 is negligible, compared with the aggravation of trying to drink out of a bottle, if you're not good at that. I am fine with the bottle, but that's one of my skills, like parallel parking! I find it harder to drink out of the Camelbak, and only use it on long rides where I need to carry more water.

The run on a sprint is so short that I might not keep it on for the run, just grab a cup of water at the water station.

Good luck!

[Nanci]

Or you could carry one of those Fuel Belt bottles in your jersey back pocket, if you can reach your back ok while riding.

[Tri Girl]

I wear my Camelback all the time. It's easier to get a drink on the bike, and then I keep it on for the run. I even wear it when I'm doing a marathon. I need drinks when I'm thirsty, not at certain mile intervals that are predetermined.
I say wear the Camelback!

[KSH]

I also vote wear the Camelback.

I too enjoy running with mine as well. Happy to hear I am not the only one who does that!