Roo,
Yes. Lots of first timer's do this race, its a beautiful area, the race was well run. The lake is a great place to swim, the run is rolling but not hilly, the beginning and the end of the bike course are hilly but nothing terrible if you are used to riding hills. I live in Central Mass and nothing worst than what I typically ride around here.

It was my first HIM as well as 3 other of my friends and we all enjoyed it.

Sharon