They are legit. Our church hosted a rest stop for them last month. Each participant has to raise several thousand dollars before the ride as well as work on affordable housing while doing a cross country bike tour. The money raised helps different groups that build affordable housing such as Habitat for Humanity. They tend to stay at churches and schools on their trip with occasional tent camping when something else can't be found. There were about 33 in the group we hosted. We did not have suitable facilities for overnight stay, so provided a rest stop, place to have dinner, and then they went to the local Y which allowed them to spend the night, use showers, etc. Their dinner was provided by one of last year's riders who drove over an hour with her dad to bring it to them.
Grits
2010 Trek 5.2 Madone WSD, SI Diva Gel Flow
2002 Terry Classic, Terry Liberator