all interesting comments guys, thanks.
Oh, hey Hypno-- I am really surprised that you didnt put foam bits here and there on your frame.
An admission here--I flew back from the Netherlands many many weeks ago, but I still haven't taken my damn touring bike out of the box, its sitting there in my garage still---just really busy with family stuff and I typically use other bikes for commuting and faster rides.
So I'll take it out and show you where I generally put foam bits on, using tape or zip ties.