Day 5 Siena loop

Day 2 in Siena. We went out early for a ride in the hills to the west. They're quite big hills so after a really big 1000ft climb we decided to skip the second really big climb and cut across on some more gravel track so we could avoid the heat of the afternoon.  Some of the downhill sections on the gravel were a bit exciting. Also we encountered a very cautious driver on one downhill road section. Even I could keep up with her she was driving so slowly. We had a leisurely 26 miles and we managed to squeeze in 2500ft of climbing,  not bad for a day off! - as Mr PB called it. Nice to be luggage free. 

We spent the afternoon sightseeing around Siena, starting in the astonishing cathedral,  As pictured. It was free but slot of other attractions were closed. The pavements in the cathedral were uncovered and the marble carved flooring was beautiful. I felt quite emotional at the absolute beauty and a bit overwhelmed with the exuberance of the interior. We then wandered around pretty back streets to a bikeshop where I bought a new Garmin. Then back to the apartment to cook dinner and later to picnic beer on the Piazza del Campo.  I love Siena