The start on day 2 is kind of damned if you do, damned if you don't - either line up an hour or 2 before the official start and be toward the front, or sleep in and do your waiting after the official start. We stay in Oak Thicket and bypass all the mess at LaGrange.

FYI, I don't think Bastrop park will be an option this year due to the fire; at least that was the latest I heard a couple of weeks ago. They still have the 2 routes, but if the info is correct everyone will bypass the park. That will affect the crowds quite a bit on day 2.

Be careful, everyone - know the riders around you and avoid those you don't know - I crashed last year before the first rest stop because I wasn't careful enough. An inexperienced rider crashed in front of me and I couldn't avoid her. Smacked my head on the road. Luckily with a new helmet, gloves and glasses I was able to finish the ride. I *try* to ride with space around me now, but that is hard to do on the MS150!