Not quite a year later, another update. I think I got the full on MTB bug.
One thing I did I probably should have documented a bit here was a 3 day bikepacking trip with friends in West Virginia on the Greenbrier River Trail. 80 miles of flat gravel I probably wasn't ready for but I made it. Two 30 mile days and a 20 mile day. No big deal for some, but for me it was significant. Looking back I packed way too much crap, ran too low tire pressure, and probably could have made several simple changes to make it easier, but it taught me a lot.
But as the weather turned this year and I got back to seriously riding, it quickly became evident the Cannondale and me just weren't made for each other. With trial and error and advice I had made it work, but as a result had raised my COG significantly. Climbs were problematic and any fast stuff was white knuckle because it was twitchy as hell. I was so uncomfortable on singletrack I had all but stopped riding anything but paved green way or rail trail type stuff, and definitely avoiding anything technical, rooty, or rocky. I put in about 100 miles in April and while putting in miles is fine, I didn't start out on this to become a roadie or pound pavement all the time, although I do enjoy rail trails and easy going rides also.
So a few weeks back I just doubled down and went for it, got a Trek Fuel EX 8, All Mountain full suspension. 23" frame, or a XXL. Really liked it's all rounder billing, because of my local riding options the conditions are all over the place so an All Mountain design seemed perfect. A lot of anguish went into deciding to go XL or XXL, but my experience with a XL Cannondale seemed to show I needed a larger bike, with a seat post overextended and cheezy handlebar extensions, I think I made the right move and have some space to work with in the cockpit now other than just go up, COG much lower, longer wheelbase so it climbs without trying to throw me off or just spin out. Confidence was immediate, was hitting small jumps and all the tech spots on the local trail within days. It still needs more dialing in, but I feel really good I'm in it's adjustment range.
I do think I'll miss a more XC design for the possibility of bikepacking, this bike is not set up as well for that, but if that becomes a desire more often I might want to get a gravel bike or true XC one day, who knows. I think the Cannondale is out, currently debating what I'll do with it, I like it and want to keep it for it's XC design, but it just doesn't fit so even on paved or gravel I'd still be more comfortable on my Fuel and just flip the switches to firm the suspension.
But anyway, for you guys who helped me, thanks again and your efforts were not in vain, I'm still riding and progressing my cycling in general. I've found it to compliment my truck based pursuits well and the whole camping out of a vehicle interest pairs perfectly with weekend trips to good riding areas which I'm looking forward to more of. So it doesn't feel like it's taking away from one interest, just adding to it.