Ahh some very good recommendations!! One of the favorite tires in New England is WTB Velocoraptor, this is a tire that has been rated very high for years. Although I find the knobs too big and they seem to make the bike rebound a bit off whatever I'm running over. (regardless of air pressure)

I tried the Kenda Small Block 8 yesterday and was in very loose sand, mud, a huge area of baby heads, and of course what NE is noted for roots! These tires did a GREATjob, so I definitely would recommend them very high!! I've also had alot of success with the Maxxis tires, simply pick the tire that suits your area the best.

I'm sure that all of you know this about riding in sand, but it seems that the faster you go, the easier it is to make it through without being thrown all over the place. Of course this is coming from someone that quite oftens finds herself in a position where the wheels are pointed toward the sky H

Have fun out there and ride with the rubber side down