Most of the people I know who don't use camelbaks on the road is because of the heat factor. It's hot to have your back covered under the beating sun. When we rode in NC, we always passed enough country stores or gas stations to get water, so two bottles was plenty for most rides. Now that we are riding in country where there are NO STORES, I definitely see the draw of a camelbak. I wished I'd had mine for our ride this past Saturday - heat or no heat!

I do remember having difficulty drinking enough while riding when I first started out because I couldn't drink from a bottle while the bike was moving. Keep practicing, you'll get it! Oh, and it helps to tip the bottle up to the side (either right or left depending on which hand you use) to get water out while still keeping your eyes on the road in front of you.

It sounds like your first 'real ride' was great fun! I don't have any helpful advice about the ankle thing, but I hope you get it figured out soon!