Anyone got an opinion on what's the best compromise for carrying water. I usually use my hydration bladder strapped to my rucksack, but it does way a tonne (2kg). Would using a couple of bottles on the bike be better since the load isn't on your back...opinions please!

I'd also be grateful for opinions, like Graham I usually use an hydration system, but when you're carrying a whole more I'm more than tempted to revert back to water bottles.
One might be sufficient if there's a chance to top up anyway - what do you think?

I don't think you'll have any trouble finding water. The event preperation is going swimingly, though the majority of routes are all weather rock trails

I have always used bottles. there are plenty of places to fill up around the route, public loo's are always well marked on the map, in villages etc.
Plus there are streams etc. (pubs)

Cheers.

You guys get it easy in your temperate clime.

Down here (in Australia) I carry two bladders (5l) in my back and up to 2 1l bottles on the frame - and drink it all (and more).

But I sweat a lot.