I've ridden some gravel on my race tires, which I hated doing, but I survived with only a bit of fishtailing. I have heard good things about the crushed stone on that trail, but I haven't seen it in person.

B'more streets are crappy (at least when I've driven there!). I'm not sure about routes, but I'd look for ways to get out of town as soon as possible. Aren't there some good roads to ride over near BWI? Where did I see that....?