Passo della Futa

**David.Hicks** · 19 Jul 08, 07:59 PM

Thinking of taking this famous road when we go to Bologna on Monday, but 3.5 hours is a bit long compared to 2hrs for the direct route on the A1 .... can anyone recommend the best section of the Passo della Futa if we don't have time to do it all?

from:montaione to:Via Fontebuona/SS65 @43.891850, 11.286040 to:Via Sabbioni/SP65 @44.305930, 11.329160 to:bologna - Google Maps

**DukeDesmo** · 19 Jul 08, 10:23 PM

3.5hrs? are you on a pushbike? it won't take you that long unless it's really heavy traffic/roadworks etc and 2 hours for FI-BO on the A1? FFS it's only 60 miles, traffic can be heavy but I've regularly done it it under an hour (lived in Florence & visited Bologna regularly).

**David.Hicks** · 20 Jul 08, 07:15 AM

The timings are estimates from Google Maps and Tom Tom and we generally shave 10-20% off those in a car, but the trip will be from Montaione, not Florence - hence the extra time (see the Google Maps link in my last post)

Any tips about just doing a section of the passo dela Futa given your local knowledge then?

**DukeDesmo** · 20 Jul 08, 01:43 PM

Well traffic will slow you down in a car (even a Ferrari!) so you could be looking at a longish trip.

Problem with doing a section of the road is that it is generally quite remote so if you do a part and then return it'll probably take just as long and then (presumably) you'll still have to get to Bologna on the A1.

Most of the SS65 is fairly distant from the A1 (with mountains and valleys between so limited access) however even the A1 has some good bends on it!.

Best idea is to start really early in the morning and miss most of the traffic - even better is to rent a bike to do it on there are companies in Florence where you can hire a Multistrada which is the perfect tool for the job (I understand the Ducati factory do rentals too) get one for a few days and do the Futa and as many other roads as you can fit in (time permitting of course).

Some great roads round Montaione though, in fact the whole area is full of great biking roads.

Buon viaggio.

**David.Hicks** · 20 Jul 08, 03:57 PM

Renting a bike would be a nice idea - but this is meant to be a family holiday so I don't reckon Mrs H would wear it.

We have to be at the Ducati factory for our tour at 11:00 so I reckon we will just head up there on the A1 and then maybe take the passo della Futa on the way back when we have more time.

You are absolutely right about the great biking roads around here - I wish I were on two wheels!

**gillan900** · 20 Jul 08, 07:16 PM

I wouldn't be late for the factory tour David !!! We went earlier this month, got stuck in traffic on the autostrada and were 10 minutes late. Ended up being shown round by one of the office staff in 8 minutes flat

...So glad I've been round before.

Best bit of the Futa, IMHO is the first bit

out of Bologna heading south up to the cafe just before Coviglialo. On a supersport it's fantastic, tight and twisty, new tarmac and usually 85 degrees

You can see why Ducati use it to test their road bikes on...

**David.Hicks** · 22 Jul 08, 08:34 AM

We took the Autostrada there and the passo della Futa back .... Mr & Mrs H (and the little H's) visit Ducati Factory

Thanks for the tips everyone !!

**DukeDesmo** · 22 Jul 08, 01:21 PM

Glad you enjoyed it, Ducati factory/Museum & Futa pass = a good day out, shame you had to do it in a scenic! Unfortunately though that's the way it is with family holidays. I vist the area fairly often (stay about 20km from Montaione) but last trip was in a Ford Galaxy which is hardly a 'Futa-beater'

- plus my kids'd be puking all over on a spirited run.

I must get some means of carrying the bike on the car for family holidays.

Enjoy the diving.

**jodycraw** · 15 Oct 08, 02:53 PM

Bit late but if anyone's going there next year the roads west of the A1 are excellent - we rode from Maranello, via Montese, Pistoia and then onto Firenze. More corners than any race-rack!!