Glad to see you here. I won't comment on the bikes as I don't have the experience that many others do. My suggestion is to find a good LBS, and then a bike from them that fits you best and you feel comfortable with.
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2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun