FEATURES
Off-Road Warriors | 62
Star Wars' Ewan McGregor and his pal Charley Boorman spent this summer on the road trip of a lifetime: a round-the-world motorcycle ride from London to New York...the long way. That's 20,000 miles of mud, sweat, and oil -- and one unforgettable tale. BY EWAN McGREGOR & CHARLEY BOORMAN

Heart of Darkness | 70
A war correspondent knows all about fear and suffering, though it's usually somebody else who does the dying. But when this reporter was taken hostage by Iraqi insurgents in Falluja, he became the story, and the pain and horror were suddenly hitting close to home. BY JOSHUA HAMMER

COVER STORY
American Idol | 80
In four short years Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has gone from underachiever -- a 199th draft pick -- to all-American hero. He's got the dream job, the dream girl, and two Super Bowl rings. So how come he's still such a decent guy? BY BRETT MARTIN

Dream Jobs | 86
We found the 50 greatest jobs in America. Nice work if you can get it -- and you can. Plus: Expert advice on making your passion your profession. BY ERIC MESSINGER

Shackleton's Forgotten Expedition | 100
Six years before his voyage on the Endurance made him a legend, explorer Ernest Shackleton led an attempt to reach the South Pole. It was one of the great adventures of its time but has been all but forgotten -- until now. BY BEAU RIFFENBURGH

King of the Hill | 108
Sweden's Jon Olsson, the former downhill phenom, is turning freeskiing upside down. BY SHANTI SOSIENSKI

ADVENTURE
Endangered Beauty That Brazilian rain forest or Alaskan fishing spot you've been dreaming about visiting may be about to disappear, a victim of misguided environmental policy. So we've picked 10 must-see adventure spots to move to the top of your wish list, while they're still there. 24
The Secret Road to Machu Picchu Bypass the crowds on the Inca Trail by taking these more adventurous detours to the ancient ruins. 42
Books Exploring the Tsangpo gorge, the best-kept secret place on earth. PLUS: A masterful new biography of badass boxer Jack Johnson. 46

PEAK PERFORMANCE
Gut Check All killer abs are not created equal. A new plan gets rid of your spare tire the right way. PLUS: New research shows that what you don't know about your belly can really hurt you. 49
Paging Dr. Bob Our in-house doc on the health risks of cell phones, the best way to work out for ski season, and how to get the best hospital care. PLUS: Dr. Bob's foolproof plan for preventing jet lag. 58

STYLE
Three-in-One Jackets Get your shell, fleece, and vest -- all for the price of one jacket. 110

GEAR GUIDE
Snowboards From terrain parks to fresh powder, these all-mountain boards can shred it all. 116
High-Performance Skis New binding systems slide with every turn -- the latest downhill revolution. 118
Ski Boots This year's models feature moldable liners and high-tech shells that guarantee a perfect fit. 120
Pro Secrets Cold weather essentials from adventurer Colin Angus, who is biking, rowing, and skiing his way from Vancouver to Moscow. 122
Mustang Mania Ford updates an American classic for 2005. 124
Chain Gang Serious woodcutting demands serious saws. 126

MISC.
Adventure News Mike Horn circumnavigates the Arctic Circle, Tom Cruise eyes Everest, and Jerry Hall stays underwater for nearly a week. 152
Contributors 14
Mail 18