Hi StanSeven and Trsnrtr, thanks for your welcoming replies.
I just wanted to add that although I have done some biking my whole adult life, I have gotten much more into it the past few years.
Getting my hardtail a few years ago certainly got me riding trails I would not have ridden before, but now I also ride my road bike much more than I used to.
Its also contagious, as it inspired my wife to get a new bike, and now she rides much more than before.
And that's all good!