Open Air Magazine Hits Newsstands March 7

MCLEAN, Va., March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Inspiring millions of readers to find adventure and its rewards in their everyday lives, the premiere issue of Open Air Magazine will be on newsstands on March 7. Open Air will be available four times a year in Friday editions of USA TODAY. Additional on-sale dates are May 2, Sept. 5 and Nov. 7.

Open Air is published by USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling newspaper, and is geared towards the busy, well-informed, affluent consumer. Both inspirational and practical, and with expert writing, concise detail and colorful photography, Open Air offers a compelling new look at the possibilities for adventure that surround us each day -- from regular activities like improving your golf game with a stretch the pros use, or finding the best gear for your next softball tournament, to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like a six-day hike into the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico.

In each issue editorial content will include stories on outdoor activities, travel features and articles that highlight everything from gear to nutrition to the psychological benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Regular departments include:

-- Adventures in Eating: Food and nutrition, with an adventurous twist. -- Drive Time: Off-beat weekend trips -- Everyday Expeditions: Finding adventure just around the corner -- Gear: Best new products for the active lifestyle -- My Favorites: A high-profile person shares favorites places -- My Moment: A first-person account of a life-changing moment

-- Reader Photo: Professional tips for the amateur photographer featured alongside reader-submitted photos

-- Snapshot: A photo of a top athlete in action with expert tips for the everyday sportsman

-- Trial Run: Open Air staffers test and review the latest in active lifestyle products

-- You Deserve It: A consumer guide to indulgences -- Your Workout Improved: Advice on how to tailor your workout Highlights of Open Air's premier issue include the following stories:

-- HIGH-CLASS HIKING "FOUR-STAR TREKS" -- Page 34. In this cover story, travel writer Christine Egan explores the latest trend in hiking trips -- wilderness trails with luxury accommodations. As more and more high-powered men and women seek luxury-based hiking vacations to counteract the stress of their daily lives, Egan highlights seven exemplary destinations around the country, from the Montana Rockies to Barnard, Vt., that offer world-class hiking with modern and deluxe accommodations.

Spokesperson: Christine Egan, travel writer for Indagare.com (a luxury travel website)

-- TRIATHLETES WITH A CAUSE "COMPETING FOR CHASE" -- Page 44. No longer content with the 10K, a growing group of Americans have started competing in triathlons for the physical challenge, adrenaline rush and supreme sense of accomplishment. But for three brothers in Michigan -- Lon, Trevor and Brandon Coleman -- their commitment to triathlons is very personal. Every one (and they've completed 17 thus far) is to honor and spiritually reconnect with their fourth brother, Chase, who was killed in a car accident in 2003 at just 20 years old. Writer Dennis McCafferty reports how Chase Coleman was an avid cyclist who saved seven people's lives with his donated organs. The Coleman brothers believe every triathlon they complete is a testament to Chase's physical drive and that the awareness they raise for organ donation can save more lives in his name.

-- ADVENTURES IN EATING "CAMP CUISINE" -- Page 25. You've seen famed Chef Mario Batali on television, but have you seen him around a campfire? As it happens, Batali has enjoyed camping (and campfire cooking) since he was a boy, and he has continued the outdoors tradition with his family. Even when he's away from the daily running of his 11 restaurants, Batali stays committed to eating -- and cooking -- well. In addition to detailing his campfire cooking "must-haves," Batali shares his remarkably easy -- and delicious -- campfire recipes for "Eggs in Hell" and "Sweet Potatoes in Cartoccio."

-- MY FAVORITES "CALL OF THE WILD" -- Page 29. Founder of West Coast Choppers, motorcycle man Jesse James has a long-standing tradition of visiting a national landmark whenever he hits the road for a bike show. In Open Air's debut issue, James talks about the U.S. parks (Yosemite, Grand Canyon National Park, Badlands National Park and Yellowstone National Park) that really rev him up. Most excursions were on a bike, naturally, but there was one particularly hairy helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon, and have you ever dreamed of zooming through the Badlands at 90 miles on an hour on your chopper? What happens when you encounter a tremendous herd of buffalo? James knows.

Other highlights include: Expert advice from Mark Verstegen, author of the new book Core Performance Golf on taking your golf game to the next level; tips from Rodney Harmon, USTA director of men's tennis, on how to hit a forehand like James Blake; shooting pointers from Bob Myers, a National Skeet Shooting Association member with a 96% success rate; and insights into the best shoe inserts as tested by Open Air staffers with suggestions on what to look for from Christian Robertozzi, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. A full version of the magazine will be available online at openair.usatoday.com, also launching March 7.

About USA TODAY:

USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 34 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. . The USA TODAY brand also includes: USATODAY.com, an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day; USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a magazine for enthusiasts of college and professional football and baseball; USA TODAY Mobile, offering up-to-the minute news and information on a variety of mobile platforms and devices; and USA TODAY LIVE, the television arm of the USA TODAY brand that brings the spirit and quality of the newspaper to television.