New Rider '02 CR250R. Tips getting started?

If by "goin around the neighborhood" means riding on the street or near people's homes then I highly recommend that you stop doing that. A two stroke bike can be very annoying to people, especially those who don't share your passion for dirt bikes.

I would have also expected that after a week you would have gotten the hang of the clutch and pretty much anything you can do riding around the house. Time to take the bike to an off road area where it is legal and you can ride the bike the way it was intended.

I highly recommend that you find a riding partner to go with. It is always best that there be someone who knows you are out there and won't go home until you are back safe. If you knock yourself silly and all your indentification is back at the truck you can be in a world of hurt.

Otherwise, just ride. I recommend that you focus on slower, more difficult/technical terrain instead of going fast on the smooth stuff. That bike has the capability of getting you going way too fast and in way over your head when the smooth road drops into a wash.

Rod