Cyclocross bikes can make great rando bikes... clearance for fenders, wide tires, etc... maybe eyelettes for a rack...
I'd shop around and get into a cross check - as my limited riding of aluminum was fairly harsh - and my guess is the the Redline is probably lower end aluminum. I've seen Cross Check builds done for as little as $950 - and with the right components it would make a great rando / all purpose bike.
People ride all sorts of bikes for these events - CF racers (I did all this year), touring rigs, "sport touring" bikes, ti dream machines, recumbents, Rivendells, and fixed gears. Quite a few folks are on older steel frames that have been updated with new components and drivetrains...
Your primary goal should be all day comfort - so it the fit is right, almost any bike will do.
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So long. Been nice knowing you BF.... to all the friends I've made here and in real life... its been great. But this place needs an enema.