The cost is actually quite reasonable for what you get. Plus, the ride started 25 years ago as a way to move money from the cities to small rural towns in the state. What you get for the fee is all meals and snacks for a week, medical support, port-a-potty and sanitation support, baggage service for the week, music and entertainment each evening. It is not a bare bones week, but a ride that takes lots of money to pull off. CO spends loads of money in the communities that we ride through and camp towns. Things like rent for camp facilities, sewer and water fees, hire locals to serve food, handle bags, and many other services.
It's a big deal, and very well done. I think it's an excellent value for what you get.