You will be fine on dirt roads if they were like what I grew up on. Hard as a rock, I had no problems with them at all on my old 10 speed. If you like the area and want to do gravel pick up a nice mountain bike, they handle them quite well.
I would rather ride a pony.
Yeah, as a dirt bike (powered) and BMX bike rider, I am wondering what this discussion is all about. I am 55 and never grew up. Rode with a bunch of nine year olds the other day.