First ride on the new Santa Cruz Megatower C XO AXS, and what better way to break her in than my go-to sufferfest loop: Western States → SS Wallternate → Tahoe Rim Trail and back again.

This is my home trail—10.3 miles, 1,700 feet of climbing, and some seriously spicy switchbacks. It’s the kind of ride that makes you question your life choices on the way up and fall in love with your bike on the way down.

💡 Bike thoughts:

Climbs better than expected (thanks Cyclepaths for the push!)

Electronic shifter = chef’s kiss

Downhill? Plush, planted, and confidence-boosting

🌲 Trail Highlights:

Western States Trail: famous for the Tevis Cup horse race + Western States 100

3 Bridges climb = guaranteed hike-a-bike

SS Wallternate = twisty, techy, and weirdly satisfying

Tahoe Rim Trail = alpine views and mellow fun

☀️ Started at 7am to beat the crowds… still saw plenty of riders, a bunny, and almost flattened a squirrel.

🎥 Shot on GoPro + edited with love by yours truly.

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⏱ Ride Time: 1 hr 45 mins
📏 Distance: 10.3 mi
📈 Vert: 1,700 ft
📍 Location: Truckee, CA
🐇 Wildlife count: 1 bunny, 1 squirrel, zero crashes

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