Thanks Guys yes I enjoyed it immensely.
I agree a second hand hard tail bike is one of the best options out there. Got mine from a lady
on Trademe (NZ's ebay) & haven't looked back.
Re road vs mountain biking - no need to give up one for the other, or to sit on the fence. Because there is no fence. Horses for courses maybe. I found if I choose one exclusively it's only half the fun. Those who cannot (or don't want to) get 2 bikes, get a 28 hybrid.
$0.02