Road bikes can go off-road. Lose the panniers and ride down some forest trails or something. Obviously you'll struggle to do any XC stuff but it's not like you're totally confined to roads.
It's a cross bike at the end of the day, and is on 35mm tyres so I'm sure it wouldn't be too much of an issue. Losing the panniers isn't an option but I'm definitely looking into seeking out some more solid off-road tracks
Road bikes can go off-road. Lose the panniers and ride down some forest trails or something. Obviously you'll struggle to do any XC stuff but it's not like you're totally confined to roads.