I have done the Quassy Oly and HIM multiple times, including the double twice, which will no longer be offered as both races are going to happen the same day this year. They used to call the double the 'Full Revolution'. The Oly is +1800 but feels worse after that long hill from mile 8-14 and another sharp one at 18-19 and 22-23. They all say 'ouch' you when you are trying to hammer at close to ~40K TT pace. The run was changed for the Quassy HIM and was much easier which is a bonus.

The Quassy HIM bike is +3800 and is nice prep for IMLP, which I've also done twice-2012 and 2016. (Got to enjoy the LAST of the mass swim start and I really like the rolling start much better for that venue). The half has a long 5 mile hill from 23 to 28. Then some rollers and the dreaded 'S' turn descent-be careful. Placid bike is +6900 so it is on par with doing a double loop of Quassy, but slightly easier. Each loop has a 15 mile steady incline at the end going up +1000 feet and includes 3 'bears'. It is spinnable if you bring enough gears and have your engine ready.

I've also done the Syracuse HIM in 2016. Hot race and I thought the long hill early was a bit easier but in fact I was not really able to hold my goal watts later in the race. Pacing early on in Syracuse is really critical.

As others have alluded to, Quassy is WAY more family friendly. My kids are older now (20/22) and last year I did the race with each of them, my younger son did the OLY and my older son the HIM. My wife stayed at the park and cheered us all on. She did not go to Syracuse as it would have been a LOOOOONG day.

I avoided long course this year and did long course S/R at Casco Bay for a new adventure. Good luck.

Quassy OLY-2016
http://beginnertriathlete.com/...-view.asp?tid=541772

Quassy HIM-2016
http://beginnertriathlete.com/...-view.asp?tid=541808

Syracuse HIM-2016
http://beginnertriathlete.com/...-view.asp?tid=542116

IMLP-2016
http://beginnertriathlete.com/...-view.asp?tid=542713