Don't sweat this being your first rodeo. My first group ride was also the Gator Ride, 6 years ago. Not many "group rides" to be had mountain biking.

Just got off the phone with the guys at Bay Area. Tents are going to be going up around 6 am. Typically the lbs tent get put near the start line.

Given how things went with parking last year, I'd suggest getting there at least by 6:45. Gives you about a 45 minute cushion to get parked, unloaded, and double check yourself and the bike. As you can see from the Parking map pdf, there are different lots to use for parking. Took me about 15 minutes of waiting in line to find a parking spot last year.