Here's the issue Im in the military and being send on a trip to Maxwell AFB in Montgemery Alabama for 5 full weeks. I definitly want to bring my bike with me however the base lodging that there putting us into says that bikes cant be stored in rooms. There argument is that there are racks outside. Theres no way Im leaving my bike outside for 5 weeks. I already tried talking as high up as I can go and I just dont understand why they're so unreasonable(not to mention anti-cycling).
Im at the point were I think I might just undo the wheel quick releases and try to hide the bike in the closet and bring it upstairs in the middle of the nights. Does anyone else have any ideas?

Take a beater bike with a good lock.

Let me get this straight, you don't understand why the Military is so unreasonable and inflexible? LOL

Take a beater bike with a good lock.

Yeah.. and maybe a large tarp to cover it and some chain lube too.

Here's the issue Im in the military and being send on a trip to Maxwell AFB in Montgemery Alabama for 5 full weeks. I definitly want to bring my bike with me however the base lodging that there putting us into says that bikes cant be stored in rooms. There argument is that there are racks outside. Theres no way Im leaving my bike outside for 5 weeks. I already tried talking as high up as I can go and I just dont understand why they're so unreasonable(not to mention anti-cycling).
Im at the point were I think I might just undo the wheel quick releases and try to hide the bike in the closet and bring it upstairs in the middle of the nights. Does anyone else have any ideas?

Eriol, did you try sideways instead of up the chain of command? My impression of the military is that it is pro cycling. I grew up an air force brat and have worked on several bases. Around DC the military facilities have bike racks and showers since the miltary guys are into PT. The bike commuters use the showers in the morning and the joggers use the showers at noon.

When I was young every base had a group called family services. Many moms voluteered there. Contact them. They might know of a base bike enthusiast who can point you in the right direction.

How about your work station? Maybe you can store it there?
Isn't there a recreation center? It is often located near the temporary housing isn't it? Maybe that would be a better place. What I'm saying is that with a map of the base you might be able to identify a nearby storage location. You can talk to the person at that location who might not be breaking any rules by letting you lock up in a secure place near a 24/7 duty post. Just locking it undercover in site of the entrance to a secure building where they have 24 hour guard might be sufficient for your needs.

The air police taught me to ride in traffic at 8 years old. I learned to ride the base bus at the same time. My dad biked to work when we lived on base and he wasn't some weirdo, many airmen did the same. And gas was cheap back then.

Im at the point were I think I might just undo the wheel quick releases and try to hide the bike in the closet and bring it upstairs in the middle of the nights. Does anyone else have any ideas? -Eriol

You seem to be describing the beginnings of the folding bikes. They were used at first in military applications before shifting over to the civilian sector many years ago. I have 2 and are always hiding them and taking them anywhere with me by passing them off as luggage enclosed within a bag. The price range is broad just like the regular bike market and the riding characteristics is so close you probably won't noticed hardly at all. The folding bike comes in all sizes and folding configerations so choose wisely.

For more info, go over to the Folding Bike forum here and read up on them.

The folder sounds like your best option, if they'll allow it in your room.

But please remember that bicycles are designed for the outdoors. Five weeks (or five years) outside is unlikely to harm a properly lubed bike. Theft and vandalism would be more realistic concerns, but I have no idea how likely that is where you are going.

I know you can't do anything about this, but housing units that do not allow bikes indoors should provide good outdoor storage.

It is on a military installation, so I cant imagine theft being that high, however there always is the possibilty and it does happen. In fact on the base im currently at some just had there lock cut and there 2.5K bike stolen.
The rack they provide is a standard outdoor rack exposed to the weather. The folding bike might be a good option, I was thinking about getting one anyway for trips to stores that dont provide places to lock up your bike.

Is there any special mx or care that should be done with leaving a bike outside for that length of time?

Is there any special mx or care that should be done with leaving a bike outside for that length of time?

Put a large tarp over it.

Folder--make sure they will be allowed. I think the military is usually pretty much into literal interpretation of regulations. If they say NO BIKES, they might mean no folders either?

Storing outside--I don't think you need to take special precautions. A tarp would be a nice touch, but not required. You might need to lube more often, but i doubt it. You could take the saddle indoors to limit exposure to UV. If you have a new bike, you might want to E-mail the manufacturer for recommendations. For over four years, I've stored my bike outside at work all year round, about 16000 hours/year, with no apparent ill effects.