I have used creatine over the years a lot. I have read a fair number of studies on it as well. The bulk of these articles have stated, basically, that creatine benefits are subjective at best. The points they all agree on is that it requires about a gallon of water per day to achieve desired results. Excess creatine will overflow and wash out in your urine. Initial use does require a 'loading phase' because of the wash out factor. And it should be cycled on and off if it is to be used.

That said I, personally, wouldn't worry about it. Because the loading phase is about a week long, a single big shot should not produce any serious effects. (I'm talking internal not external. lol) For initial energy blasts I will drink N.O. Explode before a ride. This works for me.