Race not offering gel packets, only re-fills for gel flasks. Discuss. (Page 2)

I used gel flasks at this exact race 2 years ago, worked great. The decision was mostly financial, looked at the quantity of gel I'd consume in training and the price difference between packets and bulk, also factored in that fumbling empty gel packets into my jersey pocket is a PITA compared to a flask. Hammer makes a gel flask holster that mounts to your stem, 1 flask there and 1 in the jersey pocket. Equivalent of five gels per flask, if you need more than 2 flasks load up a couple in your special needs bag or eat a sandwich. The only downside was learning to calibrate a shot from the flask to get the equivalent of 1 gel packet.

fill a water bottle ... and add a little H2O

I also hate to try and open a packet on my bike. I always get it all over me. I am going to try the flask on my ride this weekend and see if I like it better.

One Gel Flask holds 400-500/5-6oz calories with marked lines so you know exactly how much you get. If you carry one sports drink on the ride you are around 600-700 calories for a half, which is about right if you take 3hours to do 56 miles give or take some(200-250cals/hr). If you are doing a full carrying 2 flasks is not that big of a deal and you get to use exactly what you like in them. Your precious aero bike will be way less cluttered and stay aero as intended. I never use anything provided in any race, but water on coarse. I really do not see the issue as most people will bring what they are use too. As far as ease of use you can not compare the ease of use. Flasks are simply easier and far less messy on the bike. A person can easily stay in aero position and sip out of the flask. Not jerky movements to open anything and no sticky mess all over your hands. I also have no problem with saving money, going green, or being different than status quo. It is a extremely organized and well thought out race.

Now on the run I will not be carrying a flask as it would bounce around too much, but I have one flavor I like which is never offered so I will carry a packet.