TF2027 Introduction - The Plan

01 Oct, 2026

This post lays out the framework for the summer 2027 bicycle tour from the Baltic Sea to Spain—approximately 5.500 km over several weeks. It is not a day-by-day itinerary (that level of planning comes closer to departure), but rather the structure of the journey and the training that precedes it.

The Objective

Turn 70 years old while completing a bicycle tour that traverses Northern Europe and returns to Spain. The tour begins at the Baltic coast (locations still under consideration: Estonia or Finland likely) and ends in Spain, arriving mid-to-late September 2027.

The Route Framework

The general corridor moves south through:

• Estonia / Latvia / Poland (starting region) or

• Finland, Sweden, Denmark

• Germany (eastern to western traverse)

• The Low Countries (Netherlands, Belgium)

• France (north to south, with possible detours)

• Spain (final destination)

Side trips will be incorporated depending on time and fitness. The exact entry point into the Baltic region will be determined closer to departure, based on ferry schedules, training progress, and weather windows.

Weekly Volume Targets

• Capacity as of September 2026: ~200 km per week
• Required by June 2027: 400+ km per week
• Tour phase expectation: 500–600 km per week during loaded touring

The training program is structured as a ladder of progression, with monthly check-ins measuring whether I am meeting the necessary milestones. The September 2026 check-in establishes the baseline.

Phases of Progression

The training program is divided into distinct phases:

1. Foundation (Oct 2026 – Dec 2026): Build weekly volume to 250–300 km, establish consistent heart rate zones
2. Build (Jan 2027 – Apr 2027): Increase to 350–400 km, introduce loaded rides, validate hill tests
3. Rehearsal (May 2027 – Jun 2027): Full simulation rides (multi-day loaded tours), finalize gear
4. Taper (Jul 2027): Reduce volume, maintain intensity, prepare for departure

Each phase has measurable benchmarks. The Monthly Check-in posts document progress against these targets.

Measurement Tools

• RideWithGPS: Distance, route mapping, elevation tracking
• Fit e-bike app: Assist levels, power output, heart rate (where available)
• Polar Flow: VO2max estimates, heart rate zone analysis
• Renpho scale: Weight, body fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference
• Blood pressure monitor: Morning readings pre-rising

Retests and Benchmarks

• Test loop (TF2027 Test): 22,7 km with +140 m elevation, retested monthly to measure fitness progression
• Hill benchmark: Validated climb with steady 3–7% gradient (first attempt 30/09/2026 was invalid due to GPS failure)
• Long-ride milestones: Increasing distance thresholds (30 km, 50 km, 100 km+) as capacity grows

Next Steps

The October 2026 check-in will measure progress against the first phase targets. A valid hill benchmark must be established. The test loop retest is scheduled for 31/10/2026.

For readers interested in the broader blog—trips to Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and beyond—the tour remains the central narrative thread, but not the only story. This training program is one chapter in a larger travel journal.

Data sources: Fit e-bike app, Renpho body composition scale, Polar Flow VO2max estimates, blood pressure monitor readings taken pre-rising after emptying bladder.

Medical disclaimer: Training and nutrition recommendations should be confirmed against personal health circumstances and medication status. I have physician confirmation of no heart-rate-affecting medication and no cardiac condition. General advice to readers: consult your doctor before starting any new training program.