What tipped the scales for me was the newest generation of performance road bikes with wide tires rather than gravel grinder bikes. Now I can extend and connect road rides with dirt/gravel sections making more loops. There are far more gravel roads in the USA than there are paved roads. Quiet, no cars zooming by 5ft away. Better scenery than urban sprawl. Turtles, ducks, eagles, deer, bears.
Learn to be self-sufficient, nobody to rescue you. The cost of freedom to ride.