Which Ironman location would you do first? (Page 2)

I appreciate the timing of this thread because I'm about to make my two year plan to do my first full IM.  It was several years ago that I did my 70.3 so I think I'm ready mentally, it will take me the two years to physically and financially be ready...

Reading the posts of those who have done them are especially interesting to me....I think experience is the validation I'm looking for.

I'm interested in knowing more about the U.S. IM's, IM Canada sounds like what I've been looking for regarding the experience but budget unfortunately is the trump card for me....

Please keep the comments coming, thanks to the original post..

I'm down here right now and yes, it would be a phenomenal place to partake.  Oh I should add, I'm down here on work and not to compete.  Matter of fact I just noticed it goes off on 1st May!  Looks like I need to head out to Port Macquarie in a few weeks to watch!

I'm jealous!!!  Australia is my favorite place in the world.

I really really really wanted to do Vineman this year for a couple of reasons:  day before my b-day, LOVE wine country, no humidity, beautiful bike course, LOVE wine country, cheap compared to WTC races.  Broken wrist in the fall and winter knee injury derailed those plans for this year though :-(  Don't know about next year as wife and I are planning to check Big Sur off of our marathon bucket list in 2012.

You will love Big Sur.  It is hands down the most beautiful mary I have ever done.

We will be signing up in July!  Now if the road doesn't slide away next year...

After my first trip to Sydney I can see why!  I've been out for a few weeks now and am here until mid June.  One down side is this place makes NYC look like a bargain.

I suppose flying to CDA or Spokane wouldn't be much different?  I've never shipped my bike, I've heard it's expensive and I've heard a few horror stories.

I'd be lying if the ease of transporting my bike myself wasn't a big factor in looking at races I can drive to...

That and wanting to make it a family destination/vacation.  Heading west means possibly four airline tickets and all the associated costs etc....And that's if my oldest two don't go...

I'm thinking I'll have to do two budgets, one if it's just myself and one other person and another budget if we try and do the family thing....

I am planning on IM Louisville in 2012 only because it's in my back yard.  The savings in travel along with the ability of family and friends being there to cheer me on is worth it.  Only concern is the heat in August.  Last year they had just over a 15% DNF rate because the heat was around 95 with 100% humidity.  Race is at the tail end of the season so I am typically adjusted to it by then, dunno.

You might actually spend more to get your bike on an airplane these days, the way the airlines are treating people.

Cozumel too. I grew up in a tropical island and have already done OWS/IM distance in the ocean.  Nothing like looking down and seeing reef and beautiful fish down below!  I've also done more than the bike mileage around an island so I'm familiar with the wicked wind conditions near the coast.  I have no idea what it is to run a marathon with an army of mosquitoes on you.  So, that will be new.

My recovery plan for this race will be SCUBA!!

For me, Arizona will be my first.  I was born there, and though I moved away in 93, I still consider it home.   I'm  targeting 2012, but will head out to volunteer for the 2011 event.

I chose Cozumel for my first and was not disappointed. My wife went with me and had a great time also. She tried to convince me to do it again this year but it's not going to happen. I will do it again in 2012.

The people on the island are great and treat you like a rockstar. The winds are tough and there are no wetsuits. It can also be unbearably hot. I would much rather be hot than cold so this was not an issue for me.