REI offers members two 20%-off one item coupons over the year, one in March and the other later in the year (late summer?) during the storewide sales. They also give you another coupon when you sign up (that one you'd probably have to wait for). But you don't actually have to have the coupon to use it--it's kept track of in the computer system.

I got a 2006 Randonee and just love it. It's a bit of a mule to ride (I've actually named it 'Mocha Mule'), but very solid and steady. I did have to set my panniers (Ortlieb rollers) towards the back of the rack (6', 43/44 shoes), but I haven't experienced any ride issues because of it. The wheels have held up over 4000 miles, my 240-255# body and bumpy roads. I upgraded the saddle to a Brooks B-17, the pedals to Shimano touring SPDs and the brake pads to Kool-Stop salmon/black hybrids.

If you do decide on the Randonee, I'd be a little concerned about trying to get it during the March sale since you hope to do the big ride in May. When I went to get mine, about 1 week into the sale, they only had two left and didn't have any more for a couple months. Fortunately one was my size and the hold for another customer had expired that morning, so it was pure luck I walked out with it. Of course, that was right after Bicycling Magazine gave it a 'Best Buy', so maybe there wouldn't be as much of a demand this year or hopefully REI bumped up production.