If VPN's aren't helping, it's something more than what we all were facing. Disable WFP mode in Mudfish and don't use fast connect either.
My own traceroute to .85, I don't have any jumps from 128.241.2.18 and the final connection, where as you for some reason, are. Then again, despite being in the midwest, I have 5 less routing jumps than you do.