We started from Katy last year, but I can't recall what time we got there. I do remember going around the back way to avoid traffic coming off of I-10. The start is at 6:45, so I will try to get there no later than 6. The start was not hectic at all. They let everyone roll and it was pretty straight forward. No way you can do the wave start that R2R does. Everyone will get sorted out on the road.

One caution for the Katy start... Passing through Brookshire, the route turns right (north) off of 90 to 359. There is a railroad crossing immediately after the turn. BE PREPARED TO STOP. That can be a choke point as riders tend to cross the tracks very gently (and slowly).