Hi James,

Ok, if Maui is as dusty and loose as last year, likely I am going to ride the Maxxis Larsen TT or the Maxxis Ranchero or the new Maxxis Crossmark. I find that more tread on the Maui course seems to be good insurance against thorns... which is why I am staying away from the Maxxis Wormdrive and Maxxis Oriflamme. The course tends to be mostly rocky with some grippy dirt so traction is usually not a problem until you can't ride at all. It is mostly good technical skills that helps you ride that course because you bounce off of rocks the whole time.

I think a higher volume tire is a good idea to give you a bit more "suspension" on the bumps, lots of latex or slime and a UST tire and a bit higher pressure is a good setup for Maui. The pressure might beat you up a bit but could save you in the event of a thorn.

I won last year on Larson and I did well the year before on a Ranchero so those are good options.

M