Thanks for the input so far!

@jessmarimba - thanks for the Golden Bike Shop advice. I haven't been out there for bikes since the Self-Propulsion shop closed. I still work in Denver 3 days/week so will have to check it out. I live in Colo Springs. While we have a bunch of Apex-like ups/downs, there are also a lot of flatter/rolling options. Red Rock Canyon Park, Garden of the Gods, Palmer Park...come on down sometime after I get my bike - I'll trade ya new terrain for some skills!

Other opinions? If you were starting out now, what would you get?