A lot of thoughts! I'm a beginner so I think I need something to be able to do a lot off street riding. I have read that some of these bikes can run into some money (not a problem). I want something that will let me commute with nature. I live near Nashville, TN so the landscape is not too difficult to look at. I have seen plenty of parks that support bike riders. I'm just not sure which one to look at or should I look at them all?

I would also like to get with a club once I get into shape and can keep up. I don't want to hold anyone back.