Declining an invite to Tennessee Motorcycle and Music Revival, I opted to stay in town, support my badass girlfriends for the second annual Slither Run. A week and a half later, I’d be on a plane to to Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed for Tenn Jam. Though I’d love to spend a month in Tennessee, my bank account, and my animals wouldn’t appreciate the disrespect. I’m learning that if I want to continue this, a dedicated time slot to write and do it efficiently should be on the list of “learn how tos.” I had 10 days in between to get my shit together and I’m sure by now you’re all catching on to how that goes. Playin catch up as always, here’s another blurry story about an event you should mark on your calendars for next year.
In my stomping grounds and only an hour drive from where I reside, The second annual Slither Run, hosted by Misty Rusk and Kaelyn Cobra, took place on May 18th this year, on a hot ass day in Northern California. It did not disappoint.
Misty is an amazing photographer who can capture the pure essence of a woman unlike anything I’ve seen. Her photography shouts volumes as her eye for creativity and detail takes center stage. She is a hunter of rare vintage and the clothing supplier of Shop Lucky Drive, where you’ll enter a closet filled with 70’s garb, hard-to-find band tees, custom drops and of course, anything Harley. She’s a mother, a wife, an amazing friend, and a vintage maximalist decor mastermind. She is one of the brains behind this new and fast-growing event.
The second half of that duo is Kaelyn Cobra, creator of the coveted Concho Bells worn by many, including fast-rising country singer Sierra Ferrel. She is unapologetically, authentically herself. Creating clothing for all body types she helps inspire women to experiment with style, find themselves again, and retain the gained confidence that would arise from wearing a custom pair of studded barracuda shorts. She is a mother to an adventurous little girl and the heart of an amazing tattoo artist and singer.
This duo exudes the qualities I admire most in confident, successful women that I am proud to call my friends. They have brought people together in the motorcycle community for a second year in Byron ,and as I suspected, it was nothing less than a fucking great time.
Ok. Enough of the sappy love, ass-kissing stuff. Why didn’t I go to the first one you ask? There’s always a story. What have we learned so far? Mine are nothing short of spectacular.
In 2022 I found out I operate on exceptionally low levels of blood and oxygen. 7-9 being my base line level of hemoglobin, and in most cases considered, severe condition. One day while at work and slamming another cup of coffee, I checked one of the alarming number of voicemails that came through. I was told to get my ass to the nearest emergency room STAT. I was currently reading at a dangerously low, life-threatening level 5. Critical condition and within organ failure range, the reading was stumbled upon by a blood panel needed to complete the process of obtaining my ADHD medication. I was what they described as a walking time bomb. Not knowing I was a good 4 pints of blood low and feeling fine, I drove my ass to the E.R., received a blood transfusion in the hallway while eating a McDonald’s cheeseburger, and called it a day. An enigma to say the least, a never aging vampire that apparently doesn’t need blood or air.
Fast forward to last year, and the first Slither run, my blood and Kaiser fucking hospital had another agenda planned for me. May 20th, 2023, I decided to take my tired ass to the emergency room seeking relief from the nausea and constipation I was experiencing. 265mg or iron was being ingested daily. Recommended by an advice nurse to get my hemoglobin levels up and out of the severe range, I was hoping to avoid another blood transfusion at all costs.
In a nutshell shell, an E.R. nurse executed my vitals test inaccurately and recorded my blood pressure at a crucially low 70/30. Assuming an overdose, I was profiled as a drug user and drug seeker. A full drug panel was ordered and I was given 4mg of Morphine without my consent, 19 minutes after walking through the hospital door. I was administered 4mg on 3 separate occasions that day. With my luck, because that’s how I roll, I happen to be highly allergic to Morphine. I was in severe pain, suddenly couldn’t walk, and was high as fuck. It wasn’t until my sister pointed out the hives and rash I developed to a 4th person on Kaisers medical staff, that they realized something was severely wrong. All I wanted to do was stop dry heaving and poop for Gods sake, and of course, attend the Slither and hang out with my damn friends.
Staying far away from hospitals and all of their fucked-up recommendations, I was in great health a short 3 months later. I wasn’t going to miss the second annual Slither for anything in the world. In the event that something would’ve happened, (Insert crazy unlikely catastrophe here) I would’ve found a way to attend and have something else to add to my lengthy, overly explained, and not-so-well-written stories.
Now, to get to the guts: The Slither Run had two points of origin. One started in Oakland, at Steady Rolling Motorcycles with kickstands up at 10 a.m. and the other at King Cobra Tattoo in Oakley, with kickstands up at 11 a.m. The destination was the Wild Idol Saloon in Byron, where The Slither would host music, vendors, food, and an infamous wet t-shirt contest.
I hopped in an Uber with my friend Jenn, mildly bummed I wasn’t able to attend the ride this year since my bike was still not finished being built, but also ok with having no responsibility and room for many adult beverages. We made our way to the Wild Idol Saloon, fashionably late. Walking up to the bright yellow building, a cool-ass spot I visited once pre-COVID, I noticed decent line up of bikes out front, numerous cars, a motorcycle hanging from a crane, and a door guy collecting a $5 cover. As I pulled my money out to get my ass in, I jumped, as the gayest girly screams, erupted from all the pretty ladies in front of me. You know, the kind you hear us women do, when we are purely happy to see one another, after what feels like a million and a half years? Julie, Misty, Christina, and Kaelyn all walking up. Big motha fucken hugs. Let the drinking begin. Tequila and Modelo were the choices of the day.
Stepping outside the bar to the back, there was a huge stage with a live band, a dancing area, a large grassy center, vendors lining the perimeter, and few bikes on display.
One big-ass backyard party and no complaints.
We started off by checking out the vending booths. I talked with Danielle from The Glass Scorpion and bought a dope-ass heart-shaped ring to support. Silver being the metal of choice, with a scorpion skeleton trapped inside of what looked like resin atop a black background. Shit was sick, and now one of my favorites that continuously takes up real estate on one of my fingers. Spooky Spoods, had an oddities collection of many curiosities. A taxidermied baby Sphynx cat placed on an antique silver butter dish was front and center. Ethically sourced of course, it was holding an amethyst tower placed atop dried flowers. Had I enough money, it might have come home with me that day as well. Steady Rolling Motorcycles shared a booth with Pleasure Pines, a vendor who resin coats an array of 70s Playboy bunny and motorcycle photographs on wood plaques and rolling trays. I purchased Steady’s “Vibrators are a gateway drug” tee and strolled down the line. We bumped into Charlie, which is always a pleasure. With camera in hand, he shot the event for a few publications to come, so keep those eyes peeled. I had the pleasure of meeting Shelby Sanders from Black and Gold Tattoo as she was laying ink into a client. I’ve followed her for some time now on the gram, and am glad The Slither gave us the opportunity to finally meet. Hexed Gems held up the corner of the yard, operated by Sara Brady, sexy redhead bad ass and lead singer of Witches Ride, a band that also performed that day. A huge assortment of clothing made by Kaelyn and Misty’s massive selection of vintage finds, of course were also there, with the fort being held down by the beautiful Randee Lace.
Looking up to the center of the grass, I spotted Kenzie, another beautifully vibrant soul I only saw at a distance while attending the 2nd annual Virginia City Round Up, in 2022. Unmistakable for anyone else with her purple hair, and her full-color bodysuit, she stood there in her cowboy hat sporting a studded Kaelyn Cobra fit. I just had to talk to her. At the Round Up, a few years back, she modeled a bright pink dress on Cleen Rock One’s build “Prom Night” Not to be confused with Jason Wilson’s Sacred Steel build “Road Agent” another dope ass pink bike showcased that year. I remember her more for her bull ride. The VC Round Up features an amateur rodeo and chopper show hosted by Chopper’s Magazine partnered with Joshua Sheehan and his Dirty Biker’s Showcase Corral. Anyone can partake in the rodeo games for a mere $25. Kenzie that year, traded in her pink dress for a pair of Heart Breaker Bells and a Chopper’s Magazine sweatshirt. She lasted 8 seconds and took home the buckle. Hearing her story of attending bull riding school in Nebraska, and since then being on upwards of 30+ bulls, was not only inspiring but bad-fucking-ass to say the least. I tried to ride last year. Seeing Kenzie do it, I thought maybe I could too. My bull riding session that year was a no-go, much to Misty’s relief. After waiting for what seemed like eternity, the gentleman before me was bucked off, leading into a full knock-out and a broken collarbone. The only ambulance was taken, the event was put on hold. My impatience took over my desire to climb onto an animal ten times my size, I traded my Doc’s in for Crocs and left. We’ll see what this year has in store and if I’ll have the courage to give it another go. But first, I’ll get some tips from Kenzie. The Round Up will be late this August with Sacred Steel making a return amongst other amazing builders so save the date.
The wet t-shirt contest is a fun novelty that every chopper show, and party should have. The Slither delivered. With contestants including Madison and Holly, all eyes were locked and loaded like the water guns used to drench the babes. Cheering for our favorite on the stage, we watched as Holly was announced to take home the well-deserved win. The Best Chopper Award was handed over to Manny Ochoa, who made the trek up from L.A. to Byron on his panhead. With the conclusion of the awards, the music started up once again. I danced with Kenzie and let my feral flag fly with Alex and Hilary. Made new friends with Stacy, Holly, and Jessica and had a mini photo shoot in the grass with Sara sitting on her hot pink 1966 Triumph.
As the event wound down at about 5 p.m., I headed to the ranch where we were invited to camp out and extend our visiting time. I opted to keep the dopamine high of all the new connections being formed going. Hopping into the car with Hillary, and Rhett tailing on his bike behind, a beer stop and some petro later, we pulled off onto that dirt road. An amazing space offered to guests to come hang and camp on was provided with enough seating for all and another area to dance and mingle. Shelby was set up to play more music in front of the garage where Kenzie and I later took advantage. Shelby Cobra and the Mustangs always put on a great show, and if you ever have the pleasure, hearing them play is a must. They will be preforming at the Round Up again this year.
I explored the fort in the trees with Pistol Peach and made friends with a random curly-haired ranch dog that I adopted for the night. I sang songs with Sara in the RV, and later laughed my ass off with Hillary, realizing setting up a tent on a microdose of mushrooms wasn’t something I was prepared for. The trampoline was used and the inner child came out as it did many times that night. Another successful event where music, motorcycles, and good people could come together.
I reflected as I looked around at the people that I have been blessed to come in contact with and was thankful for the life I am allowed to live. A year ago on the brink of death, I came full circle to have full appreciation for the events that have happened, are happening, and are still to come. Earlier this year, I created a goal to strengthen the bonds between the women I have in my life, while also striving to make more, new and long lasting connections. I’ve primarily gotten along with males with no effort, but have realized over the years, having some solid-ass-chick friends is something I need. More of a nomad, and somewhat of a loner, learning to nurture these bonds has proven to be a little tough but also something worth while. This event created and hosted by two of the raddest chicks I know, has provided women and men in the Moto world the space to come together, share in camaraderie and create memories and bonds that last a life time.
As the sun set and another magical day came to a close, my bed was calling my name. Sneaking out of the tent HIllary and I worked so hard to build, I caught a ride and made the hour long trek home.
Anticipating the announcement of the 3rd Slither Run, I am positive it will grow to something so much more. Born Free Started out as a BBQ amongst friends and is now one of the largest fast-growing shows on the West. I could only hope for the hosts of the Slither Run and all the O.G.s, that are involved, will be able to grow this event and share it with anyone and everyone who has a love for two wheels. Thank you, Misty and Kaelyn, for putting together an amazing event and extending the invite for me to partake in. I’d say see you next year, but the Round Up is on the horizon and we still have more drinking to do!
Now, before I mention those Locals, we will preface what’s next. I hopped on a plane 10 days later to score the Sons of Speed vintage motorcycle races and then hit Silverado for the 15-year anniversary of the Born Free Show. Catch up as always. With no shows planned this month and Sturgis not in the cards, I hope to have the blogs caught up and a much more fluid approach down. If you’ve made it this far, all comments, suggestions, and criticism are welcomed. Check out the Locals below, follow them, and if they’re selling shit, buy it. Show your support and let’s keep this shit alive. Later gators.
Nicole Templeton
### Locals Mentioned:
**Misty Rusk** Ig @shopluckydrive Ig @luckydrivephotos Ig @the.slither
**Kaelyn Cobra** Ig @kaelyncobra Ig @the.slither
**Shelby Cobra** Ig @shelbycobracountry Ig @kingcobratattoo
**Mary Spearing** Facebook
**Moonshiner Crazy Chuck** Ig @moonshinercrazychuck
**Jenn Stokes** Ig @jenny__golightly
**Julie Rusk** Ig @julierusk84
**Christina Miliusis** Ig @christina_malicious
**Randee** Ig @Randeelace__
**Jessica Due** Ig @Jess_due
**Stacy** Ig @stacyinthesky
**Sara Brady** Ig @hexedgems_beauty Ig @Witchesrideofficial @Painted_lady_beauty_
**Kenzie** Ig @just_a_kenzie
**Alex** Ig @raise.hell.baby
**Hilary** Ig @hillary_lynnnnn
**Holly ** Ig @wickedd.woman
**Madison Taylor** Ig @lazy.gothgf
**Manny Ochoa** Ig @lobobabba
**Cleen Rock One** Ig @cleenrockoneinsta
**Pistol Peach**
**Jason Wilson** Ig @sacredsteel
### Local Businesses Places and Events Mentioned:
**The Slither Run** Ig @the.slither
**Steady Rolling Motorcycles** Ig @steady_rolling_motorcycles
**Pleasure Pines** Ig @pleasurepines
**Wild Idol Saloon** If @wildidolsaloon_
**King Cobra Tattoo** Ig @kingcobratattoo
**Lucky Drive Clothing** Ig @shopluckydrive
**Kaelyn Cobra** Ig @kaelyncobra
**Danielle** Ig @theglassscorpion
**Shelby Sanders** Ig @shelbysanderstattoo
**Black Gold Tattoo]** Ig @blackgoldtattoo916
**Spooky Spoods** Ig @spooky.spoods.oddities
**Virginia City Round Up** Ig @vcroundup
**Dirty-biker’s Showcase Corral** Ig @dirtybikers_showcase_corral
**Joshua Sheehan** Ig @dirtybiker
**Choppers Magazine** Ig @choppersmagazine
**Sons of Speed** Ig @sonsofspeedvintageracing
**Born Free Motorcycle Show** Ig @bornfreeshow
**Charlie** Ig @charliesvansalvage