No Yellow Jerseys Here The thighs may be as thick, the spandex just as tight, the stench of grease and melting energy bars just as rank—but the 2005 Cycle Messenger World Championships is a far cry from the Tour de France. A story and photo gallery from the race.

Birnbaum v. Jonathan Safran Foer Are we comforted by the official account of Sept. 11—the victims, the heroes, the assigned roles of good and evil—or do the generalizations shortchange our experiences? Robert Birnbaum talks to novelist Jonathan Safran Foer about his new book, the writing life, and what it’s like to be reviewed by Updike.

My SXSW Diary South by Southwest is really about the music, so forget about all the parties and cab rides and breakfast tacos. That’s exactly what our correspondent told us when she handed in her expense report. Here’s what (she said) happened between the bars.

The Letters of Gary Benchley, Rock Star: Demonstrating Value When you know your band is the greatest that’s ever rocked, how do you convince the rest of the world? Are nine songs enough to change nine billion minds? Gary Benchley returns with a new letter about sending out the demo, sorting out your dreams, and eating cheeseburgers.