What are some general rules about rest after, and in preparation for a big ride?

For example, I just finished a fairly challenging 80mi ride yesterday and I'm a little sore today, not much. I start a 3 day, ~300mi tour next Saturday and I normally commute to work every day. Would it help me to lay off the commuting this week, or just take it easy? Maybe lay off tomorrow and Friday? I enjoy my commutes but I want to be sure I'm feeling good for the weekend coming up.

I've read people on here mention "recovery" rides, but never looked into the resting thing much, mainly because I dont really "train". I just want to feel as good as I can for the long tour.