Whoa, this is certainly a very active forum, thank you for the overwhelming number of responses

cplager - I'm aware of velomobiles and really desire one, but recumbent trike prices are prohibitive, so doing a Facet is out of the question, let alone getting hold of a true blue velomobile =(

wphamilton - Thank you! Although not exactly what I have in mind, that should help me in the task. Thank you for the advice, as well.

Doug5150 - I am also somewhat concerned with people making off with accessories (bike computer, rear view mirrors, et cetera) when parked - a full fairing could act as a minor deterrent to that - a body sock, not as much. Interesting to see Jim Glover's Moulton, I hadn't thought of a fairing design like that.

fietsbob - I know I mentioned ABS and fibreglass, but I think Coroplast would actually be best suited here. The things you mention would be very hard to find around here - even the 'blown fairings' method will be tricky to pull off for a dilettante like me.

DayGloDago - I guess I'll give it a shot, and remove it if it doesn't quite measure up to the requirements.

My design (I unfortunately do not know how to use any CAD or graphics software) is somewhat similar to wphamilton's - front wheel not covered, side doors to step into the bike. A roof is definitely in the plan, though, and the legs will be covered as well. In case of sidewinds, either slats on the doors which open with a single cable-lever arrangement, or maybe the doors themselves can be opened and 'stuck' (magnets) to the front and/or back frame(s), revealing a fabric covering for the sides underneath.

If it doesn't work out, there's always the 'rain gear stowed away in the trailer+hope no one makes off with your bike upgrades while parked' way. =(

Although...what IS the cheapest tadpole recumbent with front and back suspension and a decent compliment of gear ratios? (Maybe I've just been looking around in the wrong places.)