I also started mountain biking a little over a year ago and have no idea why I didn't start sooner. I was riding around the streets for several years but then made the jump to dirt. I actually started on an electric mountain bike and have since bought a used traditional bike too. It is so much fun and it can be as challenging as one would like. I still feel safer than riding on the street and having cars in the back of my mind.
It's been an adventurous and somewhat expensive journey. I've led a life of simple and old bicycle purchasing and didn't realize how much full-suspension bicycles cost.
I can't wait until the bike co-op opens up again so I can start learning to perform more service.