Automotive vehicle bicycle rack having load assist apparatus

A bicycle rack for an automotive vehicle, with said rack comprising:

• a bicycle rack, adapted for attachment to an automotive vehicle, in a substantially vertical orientation;
• a base for a hook, with said base comprised of a composite material and having a cylindrical hook hole that is generally horizontal and substantially transverse to the direction of vehicle travel;
• a substantially U-shaped hook;
• a base end of said hook that rotates about a horizontal axis within said cylindrical hook hole, with the base end and the hole being sized to cause friction that impedes the hook from rotating absent an external force;
• a rim rest end of said hook that during bicycle loading engages an inner portion of a bicycle wheel rim to hold said bicycle wheel up and within a wheel carriage channel incorporated in said bicycle rack;
• an attachment mechanism comprising one or more fasteners extending from the underside of said wheel carriage channel and attaching to the base;
• and a lateral stabilizer mechanism that prevents excessive lateral movement of the bicycle during transit.