I rode the Beauty and the Beast ride in Tyler this weekend. This is a really well organized ride and the weather wasn't bad - just over 40 at the beginning but warmed up quickly and was over 70 by the end. This route is fairly hilly and is a pretty good workout for this early in the season. The "beast" is a real challenge - reportedly 9% in the steep section. I made it up but at only 3.9 mph in low-low. There is also a "baby beast" - not nearly as bad but it comes just a couple of miles before the end of the 64 mile ride when the legs are getting weary. This ride is worth the drive to Tyler in my humble opinion.
 
There were not many recumbents - 5 that I saw and 2 of them were trikes. Hopefully there will be more next year.

Elevation profile.