Bikes...and Barbeque Events in NC

Two posts below spoke of trying to find any motorcycle events in Richmond, Va...but was thinking today of news on a great riding day in Charlotte (heard about it, I was in Richmond doing some fun exploring in the car) and hearing about some of the stops there. A favorite motorcycle stop is Mac's Speed Shop, which has multiple locations in the Charlotte region. I have been to two; one on South Blvd in Charlotte, and one at Lake Norman. Great food, and a fun place which is VERY biker friendly. They also have some very good bike nights upcoming soon.
As far as Barbeque events; a big one announced its dates. That would be the Hog Happenin in Lincolnton, NC which will be held June 3 and 4, 2011. Great food, music, and a lot of motorcycle events. Heck, they even close off the town to where you can't drive into the square unless you are doing it on a motorcycle. Admission is free and this is a favorite don't miss event.
New for 2011 at Tilley's Harley-Davidson on September 23-24 will be "Biker Blues and BBQ" at the dealership. One of the bigger regional dealerships, they have a lot planned, and this will also be an event worth checking out. I plan to do so, if at all possible.
There is another Hog Happenin, this one held in the very cool town of Shelby; which will be held September 23-24. I have not been to that one (yet) but they have the food, its a great ride there, and they also have a bike show there (also some cars as well). There was a $2 admission charge on Saturday, at least back last year, could be possible again this year.
Course for some great BBQ there is the nearby town of Lexington, NC. Lexington bills itself as the "Barbeque Capital of the World" and has a number of fine places to eat. They have a huge one day festival, which is not really motorcycle oriented (but they are welcome there) which will be held this year on October 22. Lexington in the fall also happens to be a great motorcycle ride via NC8 which is a beautiful road which runs from the High Rock Lake area to downtown Lexington. That road is fun though any time of the year. The Lexington festival will have well over 100,000 people, and offers a great deal for everyone. The festival is free.
As with all of them either a low or no admission charge, but food and beverage will cost you though have found those charges to be very reasonable for some good food (at least I can speak to that in Lexington, Hog Happenin in Lincolnton, and at Mac's Speed Shop.
Riding and BBQ....does not get much better in the Carolina. More to come with a lot coming up in the Carolinas in 2011.