Cover Story - Charlotte CBA Swap Meet & Bike Show

Charlotte CBA Bike Show, Swap Meet & COVID Protest March 27 & 28th, 2021

During this past year, there hasn’t been much we

could do, other than ride. And no doubt, by now, we need to repair or replace something. A little retail therapy and a pint of relatability certainly seems in order. There’s only one place where any rider, of any bike can go to get anything: a motorcycle swap meet. But it can’t be just any swap meet, it’s got to be big, REALLY big!

For 50 years, motorcyclists from the east coast, have looked forward to the bi-annual Charlotte CBA Bike Show & Swap Meet for exactly those reasons. It’s the oldest and largest swap meet and bike show on the east coast, whose title is earned by numerous acres;- magical fields, filled with every goodie a rider might imagine. And COVID has made the need for this event all that more essential. But there’s another reason that makes this event so special. The CBA ABATE of NC is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization. Which means, no volunteer earns a salary and the organization uses every dollar from fundraisers like this event, to help all motorcyclists. One way in particular is to fund programs such as, the Look Twice Campaign. That program was enacted into law (thanks to the efforts of the CBA) in 2011 and has taught over 400,000 driver’s education students how to watch out for motorcyclists! Typical of bikers, they’ve even been teaching through COVID.

The CBA ABATE of NC has been fighting for fair legislation for motorcyclists for 50 years. Every legislative session they push for motorcycle friendly legislation. During the 2021 session for instance, their agenda consists of the GREEN ICE Bill which seeks roads free from grass clippings, the Motorcycle AntiProfiling Bill and the Equal Access Bill, sponsored by Senator Ted Alexander. The Equal Access Bill requires all parking decks built with tax-payer funds to be accessible to motorcyclists. The Charlotte CBA Bike Show & Swap Meet is a vital fundraiser for all 450,000+ motorcyclists in NC, because, with less than 2K

members, they act as the only voice for those 450K motorcyclists in our State Capitol and Washington, DC.

At the Charlotte CBA Swap Meet, you’ll find everyone from the weekend rider, to the self-proclaimed motorcycle enthusiast. And you certainly can’t miss the gleam of those distinctive wide smiles they proudly wear as they are walking out carrying those treasured items high, (those slippery things that may have eluded their grasp for years). It is like watching people on a treasure hunt. The hope, the chase and the chance that you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking for. The likelihood you’ll find it here, is very, very high.

Acres and acres of outdoor swap meet vendors, piled high with vintage iron, parts, tools, frames, tires and the smell of grease will surely get you going. There will be a pin-striper on site. And inside, the smell of the acres of leather will inflame the senses and the body! Helmets, gear and anything motorcycle related….. you’ll find it here. You’ll even be able to satisfy your hunger for fries, burgers, beer, a funnel cake and even a pork chop sandwich (but not necessarily in that order).

Bike shows are all about: The Bikes! And the Charlotte CBA Bike Show is not only the oldest, the largest, but also the cheapest Show to enter! It’s only $25 to enter your bike (which includes admittance for 1 person to the event for the whole weekend and an event T-Shirt for the first 25 entrants)! There is $1000 in prize money, including $500 for people’s choice.

The show starts at 10am both days Admittance is $15 for the day, or $25 for the whole weekend. There will be live music all weekend. More vendor information is available at CharlotteCBA.org or call Rick at 704-577-1546. Bring everyone out to this family-friendly event, (the premises are wheelchair accessible). As all restrictions are still in place for North Carolina Covid Protocol (wink wink).

Remember- March 24, 2021 every motorcyclist and everyone who loves a motorcyclist is invited to join the CBA ABATE of NC in Raleigh, as we lobby for our motorcycle friendly agenda. This is a FREE Event! Please see www. CBA-ABATENC.org for more information about this event.