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.

I would ride every day if I could. Sadly, this doesn't happen much anymore.

Just alternate "easy" and "hard" days. Taking a day off won't really hurt either.

I would rest at least for two days before the tour.

ask pcad. he took a day off about a month or so ago...

I always take two or three days off before a big race or long ride. Massage a day or two before the event.

keep the engine ticking. if your commutes are short (10-20 km each way) then do them, just keep it s l o w.

you're doing it wrong.

yep, my commutes are 10mi each way. I'll be completely off the bike all day today. I can just take it slow all week.

Really? Seems silly to me. I doubt there is any evidence to support your position.

Tapering is a good thing. Plenty of evidence to show it works.

A well-designed taper does not include additional days off. Maintain frequency and intensity, gradually decrease volume.