Full Iron in Northern California Area

For a reputable race that is hassle free to enter, this is about your only choice. There are only a handful of Ironman distance races and they are all sold out  for 2010 with exception af the non m-dot races such as Silverman and Vineman, with Vineman bieng the closest. You will find good feedback here about this race for its course, aid stations, good weather, organization.

Moving?

I did Vineman this year, it is a very well run race, 20 years of history there.  If you are not going to hit Vineman you have CDA Or, IMAZ, Saint George Utah, or   Silverman Las Vegas area NV is all I am aware of.  So, drive 100 miles or 1000 miles, your call 8).   And as was said above all the M-dot races are sold out and Vineman prety much stays open until race day or close to it.  

What Baowolf said.

Vineman is a fine race.  I've done the full and the 70.3 there and they were well supported and well organized.