I've been looking for an alternate source of exercise and I liked riding my mountain bike as a kid through the woods until some shit stick stole it. Anyways, I've been looking into getting into mountain biking. I know it's expensive but so are a lot of things, I can work on it over time. Anyone have any advise or experience with mountain biking and what some suggestions on bikes/gear would be?

I'm not sure if it makes a difference for the bike itself but I'm 6'4 240lb.

Thanks guys