***update***

For the last few weeks I've been lucky and was able to commute 5/5 days pretty much every week. So 50km/week. I took a recovery week (to attend a 3 day music festival and engage in lots of binge drinking -oops), and then started my long rides over at about 40km as the previous 50km ride didn't feel so great. AND I bought a trainer! Oh, AND I quit vaping (I transitioned from cigarettes to ecigs - with nicotine- about 20 months ago) a week ago. So my week now includes 50km of easy commuting, a long ride increased by approx 10% per week, 3 days of a morning session on the trainer (started at 20 min each and will increase gradually to an hour), and then if I have time and weather permits a 15km mountain ride working on my climbing and any other spontaneous shorter rides when I feel for it. So about 120 - 130km/week plus time on the trainer.

I also discovered via another thread here on BF some very crucial info about the particularities of the strength and flexibility of my body that lead me to adjust my bike lending to a much more comfortable fit for endurance rides. Thank god. (My entire right side is ridiculously tight).

So, I'm just wondering about recovery weeks. I know the traditional recommendation is every 4th week, but is there any harm in opting for every 5th if I'm not feeling fatigue? Or am I not riding enough, i.e., should I be fatigued?

It was never my intention to "train" but I think I'm already in too deep (read addicted) to not follow through and monitor and plan my progress.

Also, Carbonfiberboy, I have been doing my morning sessions fasted to test your suggestions. So far, at just 20-25min I've not had any serious symptoms - just a little shaking as I wrap up. I will keep on to see if I can push through like you said. I don't mind trying this out in the comfort and safety of my own home on the trainer.