Before you throw away your ruse money you should come here first and ride. You'll be riding at 6,000 ft plus altitude on granite rock, roots and deep sand and gravel.
If the Air Force Academy will let an ex-patriot from down under on base you should try the Falcon trail before you consider buying anything. Once you have riden that trail you will know what bike to purchase. If you need more tests try Ute Valley and Palmer Park. Specialized has many demo days and both those park multiple times a year.
Good luck.