Welcome aboard Katie :) Is the XR your bike?
Yip, protective gear is good :) As for suggestions, give us a clue as to what you want to know about & we'll try to help. One tip though, get a camelbak so you can drink lots while riding. Also try to keep the wheels downside, not upside (still haven't managed to get that one figured lol).
Definitely keep us updated & welcome aboard.
Oh, another thing you'll want to get very soon, is goggles. We have a guy in our club who has only got one eye & as we forget, we pass him on the wrong side sometimes so he just doesn't see us (okay, that's not me, I don't pass anyone & I never remember which side his eye is missing either lol).
Good luck with your newest venture & don't forget when you're out shopping & you're picking lines in the alley with your trolley while making motorcycle noises - it is totally normal & totally acceptable (even if others think you're wierd - that's their problem, we understand).
Take care & good luck.
Michelle