Here is one more roof rack story. In 1990 4 of us rode across the country. 3 of us rented a car and borrowed a roof rack and drove from LA to Florence, Oregon to start the trip, we met up with the 4th rider later. We paid a guy to come along and drive the car back to LA, it was cheaper than leaving it in Oregon.
Anyway we drove through swarms of insects on our way to Oregon and our bikes were disgusting with splattered bugs. The bike that was facing rear had the cassette packed with bees and other unfortunate creatures. Saddle, bars, everything was smeared and defiled. Gross.