Just because it's officially back to school doesn't mean we can't take advantage of the mild autumn weather to enjoy some relaxing short breaks here and there! So here are some weekend ideas, just for you.

Why not pack your bike and enjoy a cycling weekend just a few hours from home?

France has an abundance of cycling routes, each more beautiful and enjoyable than the last, and there are many websites and apps to help you find the ideal route for your cycling weekend. The France Vélo Tourisme is full of ideas for weekends or longer cycling breaks. Select your criteria (type of route, difficulty, duration, theme, destination, etc.) and you're off to discover the beauty of France's landscapes and heritage!

Eco-responsible travel AND accommodation

If you're going to use soft mobility to get around on your travels, you might as well take the logic to its logical conclusion and choose accommodation that's also responsible, don't you think?

Just the thing, we've found THE perfect site for you. Yes, it's now possible to enjoy a holiday that's both rejuvenating AND environmentally friendly, thanks to Greengothe French Airbnb for responsible travel in France.

Greengo gives you access to a catalogue of hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages and other accommodation providers who are committed, in their own way and through various initiatives, to respecting the environment. A minimum number of sustainable criteria listed in advance by Greengo (the "10 fundamental criteria") must be validated by the hosts in order to appear on the site, and above all they sign a charter committing them to :

• Adhering to the values of sustainable development
• Offering fair value for money
• Ensuring a warm, local welcome

Among the selection criteria for Greengo also includes authenticity and quality of welcome. Farewell to establishments surfing the greenwashing wave to claim to be eco-responsible, without ensuring that their guests are as comfortable as possible. The accommodation selected must have received a score higher than 9/10 (or 4.5/5) in reviews already collected via other platforms.

In short, ideas for weekends or longer stays that are perfect for you, for the planet, for our regions and for the local economy!

But that's not all: the site also lets you assess the carbon impact of your travel during your stay. The price of your journeys is also scrutinised by this great comparison tool, which will help you make the best choices.

A cycling weekend, yes ... but please don't push yourself too hard!

Want to enjoy the countryside without having to row too much? This is the the Teebike wheel you need!

Installed in place of your bike's front wheel, the Teebike wheel connects via Bluetooth to the Teebike application, which you'll need to download onto your smartphone. You can then use your phone to choose your level of electrical assistance. The wheel comes with a smartphone holder so you don't have to take your hands off the handlebars, and a pedal sensor that lets you start the motor when you pedal and stop it when you stop pedalling.

If you haven't already installed it, here's why you should take the plunge:

#1: The Teebike electric wheel aid has 3 intensity levels and will allow you to manage your effort as you wish. No need to sweat all over your body or get so out of breath that you no longer enjoy pedalling. The electric assistance of our wheel is there to allow you to ride with complete peace of mind and enjoy the scenery as it passes before your eyes.

#2: The Teebike wheel electrifies your bike in minutes, just by changing your front wheel. So you can continue to enjoy the comfort and habits you have on your beloved bike for your cycling weekends.

#3: You'll even be able to enjoy a 2-in-1 bike: want to go for a slightly sportier ride, without electric assistance? All you have to do is reinstall your original front wheel in just a few minutes!

Preparing your journeys for a cycling weekend

Even if it's just for a weekend, you need to prepare for cycle touring! So here are a few tips for a top cycling weekend:

#1 Plan your route carefully. There's nothing more frustrating than spending your time looking at your phone or map because you're not sure which way to go. Or not enjoying the route because it's not what you'd hoped for. So a word of advice: take the time to analyse your route carefully beforehand and, above all, choose the one that suits you best in terms of gradient, type of road and surrounding scenery.

If you can, opt for signposted routes so that you can enjoy the views at your leisure, but also so that you're not too lonely if something goes wrong with your bike.

The little extra: if you're going to keep track of your journey on your phone, don't hesitate to get a smartphone holder that can be fitted directly to your handlebars, so you don't always have to take your smartphone out of your pocket to see where you are.

The second plus: an external battery for your phone is never too much. There are even external batteries that recharge in the sun, making you even more independent on your journeys and depending on your accommodation.

#2 Prepare your body well
- Several days beforehand, if you can, (re)get used to cycling longer distances. This will certainly save you a lot of aches and pains during your stay.

- Warm up well before you start your cycling day. Ankles, calves, knees, thighs, back, shoulders, neck ... everything can be done to ensure you have the best possible cycling weekend. And start each of your cycling days calmly. Exerting yourself too suddenly can easily lead to injury.

#3 Equip yourself well! Not only by choosing comfortable, technical clothing that's suited to cycling and the weather forecast for your trip. But also by not forgetting certain essential accessories to ensure your safety: helmet, front and rear lights, bell, yellow waistcoat. 
And to make sure you're fully equipped and don't end up walking alongside your bike, take along a tyre iron, inner tube and small portable pump in case of a puncture.

#4 Protect yourself. Riding all day, even on an electric bike, is tiring! So :

- Don't think too big. Unless you want to set yourself specific sporting objectives, this is not a competition. Plan the number of kilometres according to what you're sure you can do without getting into difficulties. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself, isn't it?

- Stop if you feel any pain. Sitting on a bike is an unusual position. If your body feels the slightest tension, it probably needs a break, or even a few stretches. Accept that taking a little time could save the end of your journey.

- Don't neglect the choice of accommodation you make during your cycling weekends. Don't hesitate to check in the comments that you'll be comfortable and quiet. The same applies if you decide to sleep under the stars: invest in a good inflatable mattress so that you can recharge your batteries as best you can, and try to find a spot that's not too busy to avoid any unwanted noise in the middle of the night.

The little extra: drink, drink, and drink again! Don't wait until you feel thirsty to quench your thirst, as this usually means your body is already dehydrated.

Conclusion: 3 steps for cycling and eco-friendly weekend ideas

• • Find the cycle route that suits you and the time you have available

• • Find eco-responsible, quality accommodation that will allow you to enjoy a well-deserved rest after all those kilometres cycled.

• • Equip yourself with the Teebike wheel to manage your effort according to your desires and your routes, so that each new stroke of the pedal is a pleasure.

And have a great weekend cycling!

Want to know more about the Teebike wheel?

Our team is at your disposal to answer all your questions.

Our customers can also answer your questions directly. Choose the one you prefer, according to the type of bike you have, the way you use it (commuting, weekend trips...) or your geographical area, and get their opinion to get an objective idea of the Teebike wheel.

Want to know if your bike is compatible with the Teebike electric wheel ?