After a month+ of relative inactivity, after my 4 OLYs in 9 weeks - my 2nd full year of racing (3 AG 1sts and one AG 3rd), it is time to begin thinking about next season. Many races give a big discount if you sign up by the end of the year. I want to move up to a HIM next season - to say I did at least one in my lifetime (I will be 69 next year!) and an outside shot of qualifying for the Worlds in Clearwater. Living in Northern Idaho, the two that most interest me are Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens (WA) and Ironman 70.3 Calgary; both for the time of year for training and the travel distance. Both bike course profiles show a fairly hilly ride with climbs in the 400-500 foot range (over a 10 mile stretch) ... but elevation profiles can be deceving. Has anyone done either of these races or have any experience with either of the courses that can give me a true evaluation of the bike course, percentage grades, etc.? The Grand Columbian this past year had 2 -14% grades that were extremely hard! When looking at the prior race results, the bike times in general seem slower which would indicate a tougher course, either in the climbs or a lot of turns, etc. I appreciate all of the advice received on this site and look forward to your continued help in the future as I step out in faith one more year.