Ok, so you'll probably be shopping for either a hardtail mountain bike or a hybrid could also handle that type of riding. I'd lean one way or the other depending on where most riding would take place. More road I'd go hybrid and more trail go mountain. The bike shop 2 hours away will be your best bet. Call them tomorrow and ask what brands they carry. Post that info back up and then you can get recomendations of models. ALso check out the websites of the brands they carry and get an idea of what is available. By the time you go to the bike shop you can be armed with the models your interested in and have an idea on prices. Also, are you close to an REI?