The ESGE was one of the best things on my bike. It was great just being able to stop wherever and jump off the bike without needing to search for a solid patch. Both sides just have to be evenly firm or unfirm (but 'sand unfirm' is too unfirm).

I would say to cut down. But when you do, obviously make sure that you test the mofo before going on tour. Pay attention to the angles of the cuts. Maybe you'll be luckier than I was but straight cuts weren't too straight-forward for me. One leg seemed slightly longer than the other because of the different angles at which the legs touch the ground. I was in a rush to get started and didn't really test it beyond "looks good." So for all of Canada, my bike leaned every so slightly to the left when 'kick-stood,' meaning that I had to turn my wheel to the right when I stood the bike. Lesson learned.

Actually, I've been back for months now and I still have to even out the legs...