8/10/09

Pedaling Around An Island

There are many biking opportunities in Manhattan but the Governor's Island - a National Historic Landmark - offers a car-free experience devoid of any exhaust fumes and cursing taxi drivers. Having done this last year, I wanted to bike on the island again. This time, I'm in the company of some friends who wanted a quick escape from the city, so quick it's only 10 minutes away by ferry.

Many visitors bring their own bikes with them but with Bike And Roll available on site, we knew we have nothing to worry about. We took the free ferry from downtown Manhattan (how many cities ever offer anything free these days?) and immediately trooped to the rental stands after arrival. Rent ranges from $10 an hour to $20 for a whole day of riding on a Trek Navigator 1.0 bike.

As each of us in our group are of varying height, the pleasant staff of Bike And Roll ensured we were comfortable in our saddles. After a little wait for bikes that truly fit, we were on our way. Great views of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island greeted us as we sped away along with other cycling enthusiasts. Unlike last year, the southern part of the island was opened to the public which meant a longer ride and more sights to see.

At this newly opened section is a picnic spot which has a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty. Despite other groups of people, we were lucky enough to find a table for a little break to munch on Turon - my all-time favorite Pinoy merienda (snack). With great stories to tell, a gorgeous weather and a crispy/chewy Turon, we all proclaimed this was a perfect afternoon. Even our rented bikes would have readily agreed.

Governor's island is open to the public this year from May 30 to October 11 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Free ferry every hour departs from the Battery Maritime Building (adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry) beginning at 10 AM. Closest subway is via No. 1 train to South Ferry Station.

15 comments:

  1. That's not a bad deal...a free ferry ride and a day of biking for $20. Maybe I'll go there when I visit New York again.

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  2. OMG, na-ESP mo yata ako. I am craving for turon right now then I saw it on your blog. =) Kakagutom. Wala pa namang turon being sold dito. Btw, I bike, too, during the weekends. But missed it lately because of other schedules. I'm looking intently at the first photo. Pinag aaralan ko kung pano magpicture ng ganyan. =)

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  3. Wow good to see the statue of liberty view. I wish I could visit NY, we've never been there. You know here in Japan there's a replica of statue of liberty, we call our park "liberty park," its place has the same latitude of statue of liberty in NY. I posted this in my blog few months back....

    http://misawa-travelog.blogspot.com/search/label/liberty%20park

    kakagutom naman yun turon mo, hmmm I might cook some this weekend because of you hehehe

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  4. hay sarap mag bike at sarap makapunta dyan.he he he wish ko lang..:)

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  5. over the weekend, a college pal was convincing me to try biking. this must be a sign. LOL.

    sans a bike, i'd still love to jog along that strech lined up with trees to de-stress.

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  6. I just had some turon two weeks ago. But your photo shows some delicious turon and a delicious adventure on wheels. I would love to visit here, no autos, yay!

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  7. Hi Bert,
    It really is a good deal. Unfortunately, the island is only open to the public in summer.

    Hi Witsandnuts,
    I'm glad turon is sold sa Pinoy grocery na pinupuntahan namin. Di kasi ako marunong magluto nito. Hope you can take time to ride a bike again!

    Hi Missy,
    Talaga, magluluto ka? How I wish I knew how. Di ko alam na may replica pala dyan ng statue of liberty. Ako naman, di pa nakakarating ng Japan.

    Hi Everlito,
    Who knows, makakarating ka rin sa lugar na ito?

    Hi Barrycade,
    Besides biking, we saw people jogging/brisk walking as well. But go ahead, follow the sign!

    Hi Photo Cache,
    Punta ka dito next time you're in New York. You'll have a field day with photo ops!

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  8. Surely, i'll be one biking enthusiast kung ganyan kaganda ang lugar..alas!..its difficult to bike in the mideast even during nitetime bec of the rigid temperature and humidity..

    i enjoyed the way u use ur panning skills and depth of field in the photos..

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  9. Turon after biking is just perfect! it's great not to see vehicles in that part of New York ;)
    I love that third photo with the Statue of Liberty in the background.

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  10. pinoy na pinoy ang turon. galing din ako sa governor's island :) kapangalan nga lang lol (one of the islands in 100 islands). great company in a great place equals great day.

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  11. your second and third photos are wonderful. it's apparent you really had a nice time. but nothing beats that chippy and turon you had for a snack. perfect combo? lol.

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  12. i linked to your blog. i really love your entries :) and yummy what looking turon!

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  13. Great adventure again. Kala ko walang isalnd dyan sa NY. Meron din pala at may turon pa. Salamat sa pagshare ng experience.

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  14. Nice...nice...kakainggit!

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  15. Hey Nomad! I've always wondered what's there to see on Governor's Island. Looks like the rain finally stopped to give us some nice summer weather in NY, perfect for biking by the water. The turon looks goood.

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