I used to ride that every year: twice around is the way to get your money's worth. I quit it when it got so crazy. Back then my technique was to get in line for the ferry early, get as close to the front of the ferry as possible, then hammer away until I passed everyone I possibly could and got a nice gap, preferably out of sight. Then I'd ease off and wait for some fast riders to show up and team up with them if possible. That made for a safe first lap. The second lap was always better - a lot fewer folks on the course.