I'm doing about 4000 a year. Tough months are ahead because we both live in the same country, and winter is coming!

4000 a year with just two days is great. Cool to see how you are enjoying your new hobby. And the increase of 'gadgets' is really recognizable too 😂

Staying below 124 seems very boring

Slow rides can be boring indeed. But they are good for your endurance and fitness.
A lot of 'experts' advise a 80% low heart rate training (zone 2-3) and 20% intensive (zone 4-5). That is how MVDP trains as well. Only his low heart rate speed is above 30 kilometers an hour 😀

I do my weekly commuting rides easy on and do a faster ride in the weekends.
But I don't have to become a professional.