Cool picture! - the more cool photo's I see the more I've been thinking about having a try at some mtb stuff. They're so inspiring!
I love road riding but mtb-ing looks way more adventureous.
I also think getting rough and tough in the hills would improve my nerve and bike handling on the road as now and then, especially on steep descents I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.
Might have to dust off/oil up the old mtb and look out for some nice easy beginners stuff round my way....