There are a few REI’s in GA – that is almost rideable for you guys down there!! Ok, not exactly, but a tad closer than CO.
I second the mention of tracking down a demo that is rolling through town. I was lucky enough to catch the Trek/Fisher VW powered demo when it was still alive about a year ago. Rode a Fisher 29er, which helped fuel my purchase of that kind of rig a few months later. Just don’t make the mistake of getting all juiced up on test rides the day before a race. I overdosed on the test rides, and a practice ride of the course on the race bike the day before, and wasn’t as quick on race day. Still had a great time though.
Good luck in your bike search.