do you have any experience with bikes, or is the first time you've taken up cycling as more than just nipping to the shops? if your completely new to riding it wouldnt hurt to just get a feel for how the bike rides, don't try pedal hopping etc, learn to roll over objects, planting your front wheel on top of them, locking, or squeezing the brake to bring your back end up and onto the object, or find some local riders it's easier to progress with freinds and competition