Making the jump

So I have 3 sprints and 1 olympic under my belt. My goal is to get up to ironman at some point even though my training time is limited. I had decided beforehand to try a half iron next year in my state of North Carolina and maybe jump up to iron the year after. I have yet to even complete a marathon, so I was in no rush and taking am it slow. And I have yet to own anything resembling a triathlon bike (Trek 1000).

BUT....I just found out that there is going to be a new iron distance race in my state next November 1rst which may have me prematurely motivated. Should I make the jump next year? I'm kind of excited there is one so close. I'm not sure whether to go for it or just do my half iron next year with lesser distances sprinkled in as planned.