Strada di a Fuata Route départementale 116 Motorcycle Ride in Corsica

Strada di a Fuata, officially designated as Route départementale 116, is situated on the island of Corsica, France. The road begins near the village of Zuani and traverses a mountainous region of the island. Corsica is known for its rugged terrain and natural parks, and this road is no exception, passing through the Parc naturel régional de Corse and the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary (Sanctuaire Pelagos). The route climbs from a low elevation of 129 meters (423 feet) to a high point of 807 meters (2,648 feet) at the Col de la Foata mountain pass. An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The Strada di a Fuata stretches approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) and features an asphalt surface of generally high quality, rated 4.4 out of 5. The road is moderately twisty, offering a dynamic riding experience with a curviness rating of 2.2 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. Most of the road (about 85%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (6%) reduced to a single lane. The width varies along the route, with roughly one-third of the road being narrow, another third of medium width, and the remaining third wide enough to comfortably accommodate vehicles. About 34% of the road passes through inhabited areas, including small settlements such as Strada di U Paese, Strada di Corti, and A Traversa.

The road crosses the Col de la Foata, a mountain pass that marks the highest elevation point on the route. This pass is a key feature for riders seeking elevation changes and mountain riding challenges. Additionally, the route passes through two protected areas: the Parc naturel régional de Corse, a regional natural park dedicated to preserving Corsica's unique environment, and the Sanctuaire Pelagos, a marine sanctuary focused on cetacean protection in the Ligurian Sea. These intersections highlight the road's environmental significance and the diverse landscapes encountered along the ride. More information about the Parc naturel régional de Corse can be found on its official website, and details about the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary are available on its Wikipedia page.

Riders should note that the road is located on an island, which may affect travel logistics such as ferry schedules and fuel availability. The asphalt surface is generally in very good condition, making it suitable for a variety of motorcycles. The road width and lane distribution allow for safe passing in most sections, though caution is advised in narrower stretches. There are no known tolls or entrance fees associated with this road, but riders should verify current conditions as these can change. Seasonal closures are not commonly reported, but weather conditions in mountainous areas can affect accessibility. For more information on tolls and road conditions in France, riders can consult the official French road information portal.

This article has detailed the Strada di a Fuata (Route départementale 116), a mountain pass road on Corsica offering a moderately twisty and well-maintained asphalt route through protected natural areas. The road's elevation range, lane configuration, and passage through inhabited areas make it an engaging ride for motorcyclists. The interactive map below provides a visual reference for the road section discussed.