Not even in Prof Oak's lab? I have the first Route (example battle, as always) and then another one a few towns later, but you do see your rival often. You even see him in the OW. If you call him, he'll give you hints on what's going on and what to do next. Prof Oak is the PokeDEX dude again. Mom will hint at a Pokemon that appears at 1% on the given map and what time of day it comes out.