Thank you for the tip. Looks like a good one. As far as the bikes go; I know so nothing about this particular sport and would never be able to decided what to get on my own. So I went to the local bike shop here and explained my goals, money, etc. The owner, Dave, though it better to go 29er hardtail than an equivalent priced 26 FS. Unfortunately for me it will likely end up like flyrods and I will have to get several to cover different circumstances.
thanks again. And.....I thought my tongue-n-cheek, good nature, ribbing, play on your name in the last post would get a rise out of you. You didn't bite. Too nice of a guy likely!