I suppose if you are restricted and can't use ATVs or the "redneck golfcarts" then a mtn. bike would be the logical choice. But I used one for a bowseason several years (and pounds) ago! I quickly learned that the tires aren't wide enough to easily manuever across mud over about 1" deep. And I also learned via mud "racing stripes" that fenders are desperately needed. Even riding on wet grass or leaves will result in a spray that quickly wets you down and gets crap allover your equipment.

But I recall seeing some generic, black plastic "one pair fits most makes" types of fenders that go on mtn. bikes. If I were to get really serious about ones use again I would track down the W I D E S T set of tires I could find to perform better on soft ground. Oh and I would get the BIGGEST seat I could find, most seats today are a joke! OUCH...

I agree also on a Wallyworld elcheapo. The main thing you are buying are gears and a frame. Spray painting, modifying and jerry rigging are things you are gonna do on ANY of them so I wouldn't spend several hundred dollars on one (or how about the $4k Mtn bikes from Mercedes?). Plus you are gonna be on public land, no sense in spending the big bucks on something that could get stolen to begin with.

I also hated getting heated up and all that scent as a result of pedaling in. But they definitely are time savers unless you are in hilly or mountainous country! Then I would just walk. You'll expend more energy pedaling like mad at 1mph up a steep hill than if you just walked up it at a normal walk pace which is around 2.5-3mph.

Good luck,
RA