Although you said you live far from any clubs, I would still suggest you find the "nearest" club, and seek their help and advice for at least the first couple outings. There is absolutely no substitute for experience, and these guys have that. You will be very surprised how many things can go wrong with a new airplane, and just how difficult those first flights really are.

Even if you have to drive 100 miles or more, if you are really serious about learing to fly, it is worth the trip.

Learing to fly is a very rewarding experience, well worth the effort. But crashing on the first flight is no fun at all.