I've ridden a bunch in the Truckee area, and I felt like semi-slick tires didn't work as well for me. I ride on paved roads and green/blue singletrack trails, and the very dry conditions, loose corners, and rocky terrain didn't agree with my 700C x 38mm Vittoria Terreno Dry and Zero combo. The Zero back tire in particular often broke traction. I had a much better experience on 700C x 43mm Gravelking SKs and 700C x 40mm WTB Nanos, both of which have more tread to prevent slipping. Right now I'm on 650B x 47mm Maxxis Ramblers that also work quite well in these conditions.