Pokémon Gold and Silver/Route 2

'This route is a good place to collect more Pokémon. It is full ofPidgey and Rattata, along with a specimen or two that are rarely found in this area. Remember to weaken a Pokémon in battle before using a Poké Ball on it, or else it will be able to break free. The first time you come through here, head into Viridian Forest to continue your journey.'

If you're playing the Yellow version, you'll have the opportunity to catch a Mankey. Be sure that you do. Otherwise, be sure to pick up whichever Nidoran is more prevalent in the version you're playing, both if you're trying to complete your Pokédex. If you also stumble upon a Spearow, it makes a nice addition to your collection. If you would like to earn extra EXP (and 280), you can challenge your rival in Route #22 by heading west towards the pond along the top path. Before you do, make sure that you have a few strong Pokémon, and that they're fighting fit! You may wish to wait until after you've traveled through Viridian Forest to conduct this battle... or skip it enitrely.

When you're done in Route #22, make your way back to Viridian City and exit through the north path to reach Route #2. Much of this route is inaccessible to you early on in the game, but that will change in time. For now, your only concern is reaching the entrance to Viridian Forest. Don't bother hunting for Caterpies or Weedles out here, they're more plentiful in the forest.



Changes
Many changes have occurred from the past three years between the generations. firstly, Viridian Forest is no more; and is reduced to a clump of trees with a berry patch towards the top. As a result, the Pokémon that were available in the forest are now available in the surrounding grasslands. this means Pikachu and Co. are in Route 2. also, the full forms of the bugs are available (Butterfree and Beedrill) at a very low level, making them good for training them if you want to.