They even have people cheering you in (although they mostly tell you to slow down and walk your bike)

The food at the festival is overpriced and not very good. Load up with free food at the last rest stop in Brooklyn. If you need water, top off your bottle, because they charge for it at the festival.

Some of the tents and displays are interesting. Some of them have free stuff.
Best part is the sales tent with BNY gear.

This year I plan to skip the festival, do a quick toilet stop and head right out to the S.I. Ferry. I want to beat the crowd and be back in Manhattan early. Will probably head for Chinatown or East Village for a real lunch.