Where is Governors Island?

Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, and even closer to Brooklyn. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was a military base - home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Due to changing needs in operations, the Coast Guard closed and “mothballed” the Island in 1996. New York’s leaders recognized the Island’s potential, and in 2003 the federal government sold most of the Island to the people of New York for one dollar. Today, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) oversees 150 acres of the Island, while the National Park Service manages the balance, the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument which includes two 1812-era forts. For more info on Governors Island visit www.govisland.com

How do I get to Governors Island?

The only way to get to the Governors Island is by ferry.  The ferry is FREE!

Where is the ferry and how do I get there?

The Governors Island ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The ferry terminal is accessible as follows:

By Subway

1 – South Ferry Station
R – Whitehall St. Station

By Car

Driving from the East Side:
Take the FDR Drive to Exit 1, South Ferry. As you exit, stay in the left lane and turn left around the (left) u-turn at the end of the street in front of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The Battery Maritime Building is the historic ferry terminal just to the northeast of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Governors Island ferry departs from the northernmost slip of the Battery Maritime Building.

Driving from the West Side:
Take the West Highway around the tip of Lower Manhattan and go through the Battery Underpass. When you emerge from the Underpass, take the first exit, Exit 1, Staten Island Ferry. Stay left, and make a left-hand u-turn onto South Street going south. Stay to your turn left and make the (left) u-turn at the end of the street in front of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The Battery Maritime Building is the historic ferry terminal just to the northeast of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Governors Island ferry departs from the northernmost slip of the Battery Maritime Building.

Driving: Local Streets:
Take Broadway south onto Whitehall Street. Turn left onto Water Street. Go one block and turn right onto Broad Street. Go one block and turn right onto South Street. Go to the left land, and make the (left) u-turn at the end of the street in front of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The Battery Maritime Building is the historic ferry terminal just to the northeast of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Governors Island ferry departs from the northernmost slip of the Battery Maritime Building.

Click here for a map of lower Manhattan indicating where the ferry leaves.

Here's what the ferry terminal on the Manhattan side looks like:

Can I park my car at the ferry terminal?

No. There is no public parking at the Governors Island ferry building.  There are parking garages in the area and there is street parking in the area but read the street signs carefully for parking regulations.  Sunday traffic rules in lower Manhattan apply but keep in mind it's summer and there are many tourists visiting the area for Liberty Island and Ellis Island.  Allow plenty of time to find parking.

What time does the ferry leave Manhattan for Governors Island?

The first ferry leaves Manhattan at 10AM.  The race starts at 11AM so you must be on the 10AM ferry to make the race in time.

What time should I arrive at the ferry?

The ferry can be crowded so arrive at least 30 minutes before the ferry leaves to secure your spot.  Please walk your bike on and off the ferry and be sure to use the bike racks on the ferry to park your bike. 

What happens if I miss the 10AM ferry?

You will miss the race.  DO NOT be late for the ferry!  Allow plenty of time to find parking if you are driving to the race and arrive by 9:30AM for the 10AM ferry.

Can I bring my bike on the ferry?

Yes.

Can I bring my car on the ferry?

No. Cars are not permitted.

How long is the ferry ride?

About 5-7 minutes.

What is the ferry schedule leaving Governors Island for Manhattan?

The ferry leaves Governors Island at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm.  The race will end at 12 noon so if you want to catch the 12:30 pm ferry you must leave immediately after the race.  The next ferry is at 1:30 pm.  If you are traveling with friends or family you might want to explore the historic part of the island after the race - it's really cool.

How do I get to the race once I'm on the island?

The race is about a 1/2 mile from the ferry landing.  When you leave the ferry you will see a road on the left that has a bike path.  Follow this road straight to the race course. You will also see a sign that says "Bike Rentals" and we'll make sure there is a sign for the race as well.

Are pets allowed on the island?

No.  Please let your friends and family know if they planning on watching you race.

What is the course like?

The race course is 1.4 miles and flat.  There are two 90 degree corners and a sweeping bend around the southern most tip of the island.  About 90% of the course has been recently repaved and is very fast and smooth.  One section of the course is a little bumpy.  Keep in mind this is an island and you count on it being windy in sections.  

Are there free laps?

Yes.  The free lap rule is in effect until 5 laps to go. There is no neutral support - it's wheels-in-wheels-out.

Can I warm up on the course before the race?

Yes but the course is open to pedestrian traffic until the race starts at 11AM.  Use caution when warming up on the course and please do not yell at any cyclist or pedestrian on the road while you are warming up as they have free use of the road until 11AM.

Why is there only one race? 

The officials at Governors Island have allowed us one hour for our race so we decided to have a men's Category 3-4 event.  

This race is brought to you by: