Camelbak..... curious.

[Jimborama]

Whats up everyone, pretty new to bikeforums.net, but just trying to get in the swing of things.

I ride a Trek Equinox 7 here south of Baltimore, but only for a few more weeks, then its on to Oahu for the next couple years. (if any one ever wants to ride near bmore, I'll make you look good as I chug along).

I'm still a big time rookie to the sport, I was training for the Florida Half last year when a compound tib/fib put me on my ass for a couple months. I'm getting back into it now, and really enjoy training, even though I don't have a specific race to shoot for at the moment.

Just out of curiousity, does any one else here ride with camelbaks? Also, can you race with them? I'm actually in the military here, and they always strongly stress the importance of hydration, and I definately carry that over to my personal training regiment. I ride with a Camelbak M.U.L.E. with 3 litres of water in it, and on a 30+ mile ride I will finish it all. I know its extra weight, but at 220 6'3, I figure my fat ***** doesn't need to worry about that as much, and also it makes a hugely positive distance when I do run without it.

Thanks for any imput. Also any one that knows of tri's on Oahu from July on, I'd appreciate some info.

-Jimbo

[Jaybird]

Jimbo,
Have you ever raced the Battaan Memorial Deathmarch in Las Cruces? It's a military/civilian race and it's a bear to put it mildly. That's the only race I would use a Camelback in, personally. With water bottles, aero bottles, aid stations, etc. I can get enough water without having to carry it on my back. On long training runs, I carry a waist pack w/a water bottle and gels. You're a big dude, so you do what's best for you.
www.trifind.net will list tri's around the states.
Jay

[jrennie]

I have never seen anyone use a camelback in a race, I would guess it is mainly a preferance as well as a logistical thing(one more thing to put on or take off). If you prefer to use one I don't think there is any rule against it.

[Jimborama]

Great website, Jay, I appreciate that. I guess I'll just have to see what goes down when I get that far. Another quick question while I have some ones attention (I don't really know any other riders) how is 18mph for a moving average for a 20-40 mile ride?

[chrisesposito]

I ride with one all the time on longer training rides. I find them far more convenient (and somewhat safer) to drink from than reaching down for a bottle, and the more convenient I make it to drink, the more I will do so.

[Jimborama]

Its actually funny that you mention the convenience. I love the camelbak, and I definately think it makes me drink more cause its always right there, and easy. WELL, my girlfriend and I mountain bike together, and hike a bit, so we always bring it with us. She came up with the bright idea last time we were at the sporting goods store to buy a cover for the bitepiece to keep it clean. I always mind it to make sure its not in the dirt, but she's somewhat of a germ watcher when she's thinking about it. My advice to every one: If youre thinking about using a camelbak, DON"T get a bitepiece cover, cause it makes it a two handed event just getting a drink.

Thats my story.

[Jaybird]

I'd be happy w/18 mph on a long ride. I averaged 20 mph on a 14 mile race this weekend w/some wind.

[Dalai]

For races, - If 1/2 IM or IM better off getting a behind the seat bottle rack. Plus a 'Jetstream' on the aerobars with the straw sticking near your face continuously will have you constantly drinking!

IM's 1/2 or full have numerous drink stations, replacing those behind the seat and then topping up the Jetstream bottle on the fly is a breeze. Trying to refill a camelback during a race would be a nightmare!

Shorter races I usually only take the Jetstream.

During training, use what ever system works best for you.

[Sprocket Man]

Thanks for any imput. Also any one that knows of tri's on Oahu from July on, I'd appreciate some info.

-Jimbo
I can't really comment on the Camelbak - I've never used it. But if you're looking for good races on Oahu, try the Tinman (750m, 40k, 10k) or the Ko'olina Triathlon (650m, 18 mile, 4.5 mile). Have to sign up early because they fill up fast. If you like longer distances, the Windward Triathlon (1 mile, 50 miles, 10 miles) is fun, though it was over 10 years ago that I did it.