Terrierman, for $15 from Nashbar you should at least give them a try. OOPs they just went up to $20. I had to play around with them for a few weeks, but they do the trick for me. I even thought about putting drops on it, but that was short lived.
Are those trekking bars George? I have thought about those myself a few times. Wow, after your trip, I thought it was maybe right before you left.
FYI, going to ride one of your Chicago Area Trails tomorrow. The Fox River Trail out around St. Charles, Aurora, Elgin, etc. Ever ride it before you left for the south?