Personally I don’t especially buy in to the ride so hard it hurts all the time mentality but equally I dont want to be a wuss about it either!
Somewhere in the middle is a world of fun.
I used to TT years ago but have only really rediscovered the road recently. Not fully back into the rhytm of it yet but it is getting better even riding solo.
I have a belly, a seatpack, a frame mounted tiny pump and for my commute I stuff other things in a camelback/small rucksack. Water always on the frame and i seem to use loads less than on the mtb.
Still havent got the fit right. Struggling a bit because i think the frame is a shade small.
Edit: of course I may be a cycle tourist on skinny tyres whose lost his mudguards and rack.