Hi Ben- I'm not in your area but saw you've no had a reply yet - if you don't, get in touch with you local group contact which i've pasted below. I think there are loads of guys doing trail riding in your area so you'll have no probs finding some guys to take you on. I only started a year ago too, and was on L plates, I've got a Yamaha DT125R, which is a sound solid bike, I love mine, so don't rule it out if you see a bargain.
Derbyshire and South Yorkshire
Group Meeting Location : The Angel Hotel, Sprinkhill, Eckington, Nr Chesterfield, Derbyshire
2nd Tuesday 8.30pm
Contact : Mick Ellison 07780 674192
Email :
mickellison@tenchiryu.freeserve.co.ukSteven