Wow - Jo, reading your 2004 goals is fantastic (since I didn't know you then, and only know you now as the long distance queen you've become!)

I've gone both ways on the Camelback. There's a 110 or so mile race we do where I use it so I don't have to stop and re-fill bottles. Aside from that, I find bottles generally sufficient and a Camelback can get cumbersome. When I was first learning to ride a road bike, I did like being able to drink from a camelback without messing around reaching for bottles. Now it's just second nature.

ETA: And yes, I did notice the comment about the haagen dasz bar and yes: EEEWW!! I love ice cream but not DURING a ride!!!