When I side lined my Specialized Sirrus, I got a single speed kit and a single chain ring for the front. Put on 28's with little knobs and it became the mild off road / crushed limestone, putter with the kids bike. Was a fun toy for a while. Was also a nice take out of town bike, where I wasn't really worried about it getting beaten up in transit.
I have since gotten rid of it, and picked up two others, so no real substantive advice other than consume. America needs you to buy a bike.