I joined our local randonneuring group last year because I was unemployed. I really wanted to go touring but didn't have enough money to afford it, so I figured that doing brevets were my cheapo way of sightseeing. The membership fee was $50 for the season, I didn't really buy any new equipment for my bike I already had, and generally got a ride with another club member (or took a GO train about $10 round trip) to the start points. Fuel (on 200k brevets) was generally gatorade plus Tim Hortons (fast food). I finished a couple 200's and tried two 300's unsuccessfully, so didn't have to contend with overnight issues on the 600k - but often club members split rooms 4 ways so its not too much.