Wow, they didn't even open registration until 10:15 CST this morning. You are going to have so much fun!!! The bluebonnets and wildflowers are awesome in April, I am excited for you. I love this ride just can't quite swing the fund raising.

Logistically, I would fly to Houston and then bus back to Houston. Or better into Houston out of Austin, might not be too bad on cost to do it that way and then you can see my fair city before leaving to go home. You finish VERY near the Texas Capitol building (you can see it riding up), take your bike there for a great souvenir photo!

Best thing if you can afford it is to book the headquarters hotel, it is really nice, there is an expo and a cool atmosphere with bikes all over the place! Then you can probably hook up with people to ride to the start or do a renegade start. I am not fond of the renegade starts, even though you wait for a long time there is really good energy at the start lines. I have done both official start and started off site but on the course. Can you tell I get excited just thinking about my two rides of the MS150?