Today started with a delicious breakfast at our hotel then a thrilling downhill ride for about 10kms. We really needed that after yesterday’s climbing. We stopped at the Abbia St. Antimo to see the 11th century church and hopefully hear some gregorian chanting. We visited here once before 9 years ago and then as today only heard a recording of the monks who reside there chanting, not a live performance.
Then off to another hilltop town, Montalcino, also very picturesque but again a bit tough to get to. After locating the local Coop store (italian version of Calgary Co op) we refueled and refreshed water supplies before heading back into the hot day. We rode downhill out of there and headed for Siena, a rolling route, but no more big clmbs. However the temperature was around 35 degrees with very little shade to be found, so we were struggling. George was remembering a song by Noel Coward that talks about only mad dogs and Englishmen going out in the noon day sun. About 5 km from our destination we had to stop and rehydrate, cool down, and rest as I was starting to feel quite poorly from the heat. We eventually pulled in to our hotel, again tired and very hot. We still managed to climb almost 900 meters and ride for almost 9 hrs. But we must not complain, we did choose to visit Tuscany, a hilly and warm destination.
Loading up at our upcountry stop at the Terre D'orcia
The Abbia St Antimo, 1000 year old thick stone walls make it a cool respite from the heat
Interior of the Abbia
Almost at Montalcino, home to Brunello fine wines
We're smiling after a couple of rounds of cold drinks
geeteetravels 
Great stories. I love following your adventure. Keep biking.