Hydration question for p2/p3 owners

Well this year I am training for a HIM and I am hoping to get registered for IMLP in 2010.

I recently picked up a P2C as well, so congrats on the nice ride. 

For training, I think a rear system is necessary unless you have good access to "refueling stations" along the routes that you ride.  But for racing, I think one bottle is sufficient for most races (especially IM where aid stations are only ever ~10mi apart).  I don't like the drink straws up front either, but have considered putting a regular drink bottle horizontaklly between the aerobars (like this) in case I want to have a 2 bottle set-up for races where aid stations might be too far apart.

I have the same bike.

I have this enroute:

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/shop/product.php?productid=16528&cat=265&page=1

I also have a cage on the downtube. It's up to you if you want an aero bottle,the Profile Design aero bottle set up is 50 bucks, which is a bit steep for me. I choose not to because of my vast supply of free bottles and to keep things consistant with my road bike. Plus I am notorious in dropping water bottles as well.

I bought the the same thing and it works great.  I reused two profile design cages that were on my old profile design behind-the-seat setup.

I DO use the profile aero bottle for races, but leave it off the bike during training.  I like the cleaner look.  For the same reason, I don't put any cages on the downtube.

I have the X-lab and the $8 plactic x- lab cages ( recommended by BS MI) I don't have a ton of road miles w/ this setup as i got it late in the season. I try to keep my bottle cages empty so they don't stretch out between rides. Also for $16 to replace the cages I may concider buying a "race" set so I don't have to worry about bottle ejection, or put some extra rubber bands around the cage. 

I like the look and functionallity ie. spare tubes and CO2 storage however I can only say that I'm neutral about the setup of having to reach behind for a bottle. I find it harder to remember to drink since you have to come out of aero, reach back, drink, replace and get back aero. I am use to riding/drinking with a camelbak so I'm spoiled w/  the ease of hydration. After a winter or trainer rides I am getting more acustomed to the rear hydration.