Also since it is cold I would start later than midnight. The average time for beginners RT is around 17 hrs. If you start later than midnight or even around 2-3 AM you will miss most of the overnight cold around Trailside Meadow to Trail Camp and the 99ers. This late in the year it is better to come down in the dark than to go up IMHO. My first time I turned back at Trail Crest because I wasn't prepared for the cold wind that came.
Good luck to you, the anticipation is intense on your first time!
-Dan
