You ask we answer. Here's the latest in our "Ask a Mechanic" series.
Q: I know this isn't a mechanic's related question but I was wondering if you know why roost is called roost or where the term came from. I get hit with a lot of it!
A: As for the origin or who coined the term I don't know but roost, the rocks and dirt that get kicked up from the back tire and shower succeeding riders with often painful results, got its name because it looks like a rooster's tail. Getting close to another rider's rooster tail means you are getting roosted, or on the other side you could be roosting or trying to roost another rider with your rooster tail. It's one reason why wearing chest protection is a good idea!
Marvin's Musquin's rooster tail
An actual rooster tail
RJ Hampshire getting roosted
