Favorite HIM/70.3 in the NW?

I have done the Chelan, Lake Stevens and the Ocean Shores events. Out of those three for the 70.3 events it is hard to choose.
I like Ocean Shores because it is flat, you get to run on the beach and it is not to hot. I dont like it because it is windy, aid stations are few, and the water is dark, I am not a swimmer so that bugs me. This year was an odd year for this event so I think it will get better next year.

Chelan, you were there so you know it was a fun event. This hills were tough and it was hot.

Lake Stevens was a blast. Loads of people in the race so you are never alone. Drink stations were great just like Chelan.

The bike is a tough call. If you want flat go with Ocean Shores. A challenge then pick one of the other two. For me they are about the same. Lake Stevens seems easier to me. I think the hills are smaller but you do the two times. Chelan I like because it is hard but you only hit the hills 1 time.

I guess they all have ups and downs. I enjoy all races. If I had to pick just 1 race out of the ones I have done it would be Lake Stevens. Not because it has the Ironman name but because it has the most people. Just fun with all those people, it pushes me a bit and this year might have pushed me to much on my bike but oh well. Good luck to you.

I've only done one HIM, Grand Columbian (you can look up my race report for full details)....although I will say the bike was hard and the run was hillier than advertised (they said they are changing the course this year).  I am doing Plutonium Man in September to be my second HIM...hoping to PR by a lot, but you never know!

I've ridden most of Chelan's HIM course and Lake Stevens, but not all in the same year.  I think that most courses have challenging rides, so you just have to consider weather, training, money and location and go for it!  I agree, this sport is ADDICTIVE.  I also notice that every year, I know about 10x more people, so it gets way more social, which is almost my favorite part of it.  Almost.