I left Parkway Harley-Davidson yesterday and headed east on I-40 toward Black Mountain.

My first stop was for food — breakfast and lunch — at Phil’s Bar-B-Que Pit. I knew it would be good when I saw four or five police cars parked in the lot. They always seem to know the best places to eat, and this time was no exception. I had a small pork sandwich and fries. Perfect…

When I got back on the road I stopped at the kind of sign I love when it’s a sunny day and I’m on my motorcycle… Steep winding road with switchbacks and no trucks — perfect!

The road didn’t disappoint me. It was perfect, with the Broad River along side and bright blue sky with a few white clouds overhead…

After some fun riding I took a break at the Bat Cave Apple House…

I wanted to take some peaches and a watermelon back home, but I couldn’t figure out where to put them, so I settled for a cold bottle of water. Sarah was helpful and sweet…

I rode through Chimney Rock into beautiful Lake Lure…

When I saw Lake Lure Inn & Spa, I knew I’d be back on another perfect day, with a perfect companion…