Clutch pedal grinding. Is this normal?

yes, it is normal, especially if you haven't driven a air assist or hydraulic assist clutch pedal. it just takes some getting used to.
also the solo clutch you have is self-adjusting, there is no way to adjust the clutch. the only way the clutch adjusts itself is by slipping, that is why so many fleets have solo's, they know the rookies will keep slipping the clutch and keep it adjusted, so I would recommend, as hard as this may sound, to slip it every now and then to make sure it stays adjusted. as a former driver and current mechanic I hate a solo, and would prefer an easy pedal, plus I always liked to adjust mine and take a look at everything in there while adjusting to keep tabs on how the clutch brake/forks were wearing, just my .005 worth.