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Old 12-27-2009, 10:03 PM   #9 (permalink)
Thymeclock
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob View Post
Sail cars, like ice boats, really take off when hit with a good side gust. Getting the angles right takes you to what is in effect a negative frontal area, by sneaking the usual low-pressure zones up the side and over part of the nose. With cars, it is usually more a matter of minimizing negative effects, and maintaining stability. It is a big topic, one best kept in mind as a frequent complication while learning the other basics.
Anyone who has ever ridden a racing bike (or even done hiking) knows this: if the wind is at your back, it's a gift. If you are headed into the wind or blown sideways by it, it's a drag... literally.

Now, maybe if our cars had adjustable sails...
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