I don't know about the pot-bellied thing but I suppose it might be more likely since a lot of recumbent riders say they went to that style vehicle because of back problems in the normal riding position and people with fat bellies are going to be at higher risk for back problems.

But the beard thing is funny. I was listing to a TwoJohns podcast and they mentioned the beard thing and I decided to pay attention enough to check it out. On that day's ride across the golden gate bridge and to tiburon and back I came across 5 recumbents and...5 beards! I couldn't believe it!