FEATURES
Undiscovered Costa Rica | 60
No matter how many gringo-packed surf camps open on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, there's still a pristine corner way down south where pumas lurk, 560 species of birds flit about, and a hiker can completely disappear for a few days. BY MICHAEL BEHAR

The MJ Interview: Lance Armstrong | 66
Straight talk from the great one on his retirement, getting the awful news from Sheryl, allegations of doping, and Bode Miller's trash-talking. BY TOM BROKAW

Classic American Road Trips | 70
Whether you're looking for a multisport loop in the Sierras, an off-road mudfest, or a marathon fishing-kayaking-eating-drinking tour of the Gulf Coast, these 10 great drives will get you there.

Mountain Freak | 78
Dean Potter, free-climbing's star soloist, earned fame by going faster and lighter than anyone before him. But as he continues to push the limits of his sport, even his admirers fear it's just a matter of time before he goes too far. BY DANIEL DUANE

Lifesavers | 88
Hawaiian lifeguards share an occupational brotherhood like that of New York firefighters: They're unmatched professionals, committed athletes who make a living saving lives. Meet the men who watch over paradise. BY CHARLES GRAEBER

ADVENTURE
22 Tour de France
Ride the route before the peloton does.
24 What's New
A record whitewater season, and more.
26 Hiking the Grafton Loop
A major Northeast trail opens.
28 Lessons from the Pros
Inside tips from adventure's top names.
30 America's Best Beaches
Stretches of sand for every activity.
38 Kayaking Venice
Skip the gondola -- paddle yourself.
42 City Guide: Chicago
Big adventures in the Second City.
45 Books
High-seas drama, surf philosophy, more.

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
46 Oregon Forest Fight
How the Siskiyou National Forest became the front line of a national logging battle.

HEALTH AND FITNESS
51 Grilling for Health
Grass-fed beef saves the summer BBQ.
55 Sleeping Pill Problem
Looking at America's medication habits.
56 Strength and Cardio Workout
Build muscle in just 15 minutes a day.
58 The Cycling-Impotence Link
Keep your ride from making you limp.
59 Ask Dr. Bob
Answers from our in-house doctor.

STYLE
94 T-Shirts
Stylish print tees for summer.

GEAR GUIDE
97 Summer Camping Gear
The best new tents, packs, and more.
100 Compact Cameras
More megapixels in smaller packages.
101 New Stuff
From sea kayaks to power drills.
102 Home Office
Build an inspired, efficient workspace.
104 Triathlon Gear
Swim, ride, and run faster with these tools.
106 Ask the Gear Guy
Advice on equipping your life.

THE RECORD BOOK
124 Astonishing Feats
Our monthly roundup of outlandish achievements in adventure.

Mail 14
Contributors 20

On the Cover: Lance Armstrong, photographed exclusively for Men's Journal by Jeff Lipsky on Armstrong's property in Austin, Texas. Styling by Arianne Tunney for avantgroupe.com.