rhm was right. It was the cotters. I got it set now (or so it would seem).

I stopped over at the LBS for a pedal cone wrench and a dust cap wrench (neither of which they had) and asked one of the guys to take a quick look. He said he the cotters seemed loose as well.

So i took em both out this evening and installed new cotters, this time using a punch to drive the cotters in (the suggestion of the bike mechanic). Well now they are most definitely IN. and much further than they were before. I'm gonna do a long ride tomorrow, hammer em again when I get back, and call it beer for Rudy.