We have had lots of recumbent cycling the CNC Mountains to the Sea ride in the past.  I live in Eastern North Carolina (flat land, real flat land) and will be riding a recumbent for the first time this year.  I ride over the bridges and overpasses at New Bern 3 to 4 times a week getting in shape for the CNC fall ride.  As we get closer to the event I will do more.  I have several friends who rode their recumbent bikes on CNC last year.  They did not do anything special to get ready for the mountains except ride hard for 15 + mile as often as they could.  Both were slow up mountains, but it is not a race and if you leave early each morning you will have plenty of time to finish that day’s ride.         

I rode my Vision 44 on CNC 2001 and had no problem.  Living and riding in Florida, you really do not have an understanding of hills, not to mention mountains.  I can say that smiling since my residence is now in Florida.  Two suggestions please.  First off, bike as many causways as possible.  Those are usually the biggest "hills" in the area.  Bike them not for conditioning but for balance.  Learn how to stay up right on your bent while riding at a slower rate.  Very important.  Secondly, and this is for conditioning, bike into head winds as much as possible.  Living in Florida where winds are something to deal with daily, biking into the wind will give you as good of a work out as biking up the side of a mountain.  Do both of these suggestions and I feel you will not have a problem and will enjoy a wonderful CNC.  To make it even better, PAMPER yourself.  www.BubbasPamperedPedalers.com

I rode CNC in 2001 on a Gold Rush Replica, and 2003 on my Bacchetta Aero (while I still lived in Michigan). Having played a large part in laying out the day one route for 2005, I can assure you that this year will NOT have hills anywhere near like previous years. Day one will be the 'hilliest' and it won't be anything that a seasoned 'bent rider can't handle. If fact, those looking to ride truly BIG climbs will have to ride the optional route (Bearwaller Mtn. -Can you say sicko?) to get them. This route will be flat in comparison to previous years, as big, beautiful hills will be all around you, but you'll ride thru the passes and gaps, staying in the valleys between them.

After moving here in the spring of '03, the first thing I did was put a smaller granny gear on my Aero. That was all I really needed to keep from being wore out on the numerous climbs. If you do like Bubba says and ride into the wind on the windiest days, you won't have any problem at all.

Yes, trike riders are numerous on CNC. You'll enjoy it.

Gary