Thank you...I think ya'll are correct...time for a new bike.
Spent quite a bit of time at SURELYs site...

I really like the looks of the Ogre...but it as 29" wheels and 2.5" width tires...so not sure how that will preform on the road...

Also do like the straggler, bridge club and disc trucker...think they all have 700c/thinner tires...

I don't know anything about wheels...how can tell a stronger wheel from a cheaper one? The amount of spokes? the brand?

surlybikes.com/bikes/ogre
surlybikes.com/bikes/straggler
surlybikes.com/bikes/disc_trucker

(still can't post links sorry)