After picking around on the web there seems to be no definitive answer to the side stitch issue other than what you have mentioned here. I don't ride with a heart rate monitor, but maybe I'll invest in one just to see what's going on during my rides. Sounds like I'm riding just out side of my conditioning level and it bites me in the ass when I don't slow down, and take a break for a minute to recover. I don't race or train for events, I just love to ride and enjoy the scenery as we have some of the finest trails anywhere.
Thanks for the quick info on the nutrition side as well. I tend to ride after an 8-10 hour work day on my way home and sometimes the ride is great and I feel strong, but other times my legs feel like cement and struggle to finish with a decent attitude. Hopefully paying more attention to hydration and nutritional needs will help.
As far as bike fit, nothing has changed. I probably just need a new bike, I'm sure that would solve most of my issues
What a great time to be a Mountain Biker!!
Thanks Jbell