I get 999 ping on COD Rhineland after a few minutes... wtf?

Just as the title says... After a few minutes of play on Rhineland, my ping skyrockets to 999. It's absurd... doesn't make any sense.

This happen to anybody else?

Oh - while I'm at it, does anyone know how to code or mod United Offensive? I am having a real hard time with it, and it would be nice to have a mentor... my buddy is doing all the work for our upcoming vehicles mod. We're adding a Tiger tank, Halftrack, hull machineguns... a lot of stuff. It's gonna be great when it's done!