Well, road bikes may be nice, but I don't think they would do me much good when I'm several miles from a paved surface, going up and down very unimproved dirt/gravel/caleche/grass rock-strewn trails or deer paths trying to avoid cactus patches to get to a geocache. An that's a priority for me.

I can't imagine a road bike holding up to that for more than a very short time. So I need a trail bike as primary bike. I've been so far out in the boonies that there weren't any trails of any kind, I had to go cross-country relying on the GPS (I carry two) to get back to my car.

Typical (showing my throw-away bike for places I wouldn't take my expensive one):



I'd still like to have a road bike, but it's not for primary use.

With no paved roads, I can plainly see a road bike wouldn't work out well. Shucks, I am skeptical to ride any of my babies over grass...

Nice looking bike...

It's a surprisingly nice bike for a $250 department store bike. As I said, I use it for places I won't take my main ride, a Specialized Camber:

If you're even thinking of getting a road bike, it's going to eat at you until you get one; priority one or not. I would start hitting the web sites and see what you like, then go to a shop that sells them and test ride them before you buy.

If no one has suggested yet I would look at a cyclocross model. Think road bike geometry beefed up to go on trails. We're not talking rocky single tracks, we're talking packed gravel, dirt rail trails, that kind of thing. I'm looking into them because I like to do the C&O Canal but also want something that's a bit more of a road bike than a mtb. Like anything you're not really going to know what you like until you get on it and the only way to do that is test riding. Go have fun checking out your local lbs's and trying out some different bikes.

Going to second Rong's suggestion of a cyclcross. I am an ex Mountain biker and occasionally in dry weather and on tracks not too severe- Have done a bit of XC on my road bikes- A CX would take it with no trouble.

AND- we have a severe route over here that is called the South downs Way. 100 miles and it is hard packed Chalk and ruts and Flints and requires a Mountain bike. OR a Cyclocross with good strong wheels and a Triple. If a Mountain will go there- so can a CX. Only limiting factor is the strength of the wheels- they do need to be good- and the gearing to suit the rider.

Damn you. You had to go and explain it in medical terms. Now the curse will never end. ARRGGHHHHHHH

Now, I could deal with that!!

That bike is serious..

Another type of road bike suited to dirt and gravel roads.
https://salsacycles.com/bikes/vaya_3/