While I am only 55 1/2, I have gone "off the grid" (i.e., no cell service and few if any people around) for many miles at a time on gravel (and on road) during tours--and I take blood thinners every day. Doesn't sound like you are unprepared or act recklessly.

A tame section of a nearly 30 mile dirt road in Montana I have ridden three times. Many parts of the road are hilly (up and down) and rougher than this stretch. The last time I rode it (2016) I didn't see one vehicle, only a bunch of free range cattle.



As for bears, they happen. Embrace them, just not literally. Yaak, MT, 2019, during a day ride from camp into the forest to look for critters. Was hoping to see a grizzly, but what can you do? The campground host saw a lion up a nearby road.