FEATURES
COVER STORY
Diesel Power Growing up near New York City's rough-and-tumble dockyards, Vin Diesel was an action star before he was ever in a movie. So how does he stay on top now? By never leaving combat mode. BY PAUL SOLOTAROFF

BEST GEAR OF ALL TIME
American Classics This country was built by the hands of men like the Wright brothers: individuals with a passion for innovation, adventure, and kick-ass gear. There are still great craftsmen working today, creating the greatest gear you could hope to own. Here's the best of the best. INTRODUCTION BY HAROLD EVANS

MJ STYLE
Rescue Squad These six backcountry heroes are Colorado's elite search and rescue pros -- extreme EMTs, ace rock climbers, certified paramedics, and explosives technicians. They like the outdoors -- and love saving lives. BY MIKE KESSLER

Quick Sand The dune buggy craze shifts into overdrive with radical new off-highway vehicles capable of interstate-level speed and maximum fun. BY ARTHUR ST. ANTOINE

Dirt Devil Mountain-biking maestro Cedric Gracia is the first athlete to earn serious cred as both a freerider and a downhill racer. He's an adventure rock star. Not bad for a Frenchman. BY ROB STORY

ADVENTURE
Cliff Hanger The future of climbing is here, and it's closer to sea level than you expected. The world's best rock climbers are taking up deepwater soloing, a (slightly) more forgiving form of free climbing -- in which the ocean is your net. 28
The Ultimate Ski Challenge In ski-mountaineering, you're your own ski lift and ski patrol rolled into one. First there's a challenging climb to the top of an icy cliff, and then gravity does the rest. Sounds suicidal, but done right backcountry skiing is the ultimate rush. Plus: Five killer backcountry destinations, and must-have ski-mountaineering gear. 38
Four-Wheel Overdrive Locals warned that off-roading on Telluride's untamed, 13,000-foot alpine passes was insane this late in the season. Sounds like the perfect time and the perfect place to road-test the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. 48

PEAK PERFORMANCE
The Heart Muscle Workout Our in-house doc cooked up the ultimate aerobic workout to grow -- yes, grow -- your most important muscle. Plus: Dr. Bob's favorite heart-rate monitors. 55

STYLE
Fine Time Seven sophisticated watches for the most stylish hours of your day. 106

MISC.
The Record Book A surprising end to the "Eddie" surf competition in Waimea Bay; billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's latest flights of fancy; the real-life Spiderman; and more amazing adventure feats. 128
Contributors 18
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