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!!