I'd echo the recommendation for using Kato Unitrack. It is much more expensive, but I lack the patience to lay ballast so I personally find it is worth it.
I gave the roadbed a thin wash of india ink to enhance the texture. I also sprinkled a little ballast along the margins to make the edges more rough in appearance as the Unitrack looked too well groomed to my eye. Kato sells ballast that matches the Unitrack (again, its relatively expensive) but you should be able to find a cheaper brand at your LHS that's close enough in appearance.