Network Puzzle

[montz@tcac.net (Michael Montz)]

I have a Linux server setup with a hybrid cable modem (down cable/up
phone line)using ip masqurading.  Works great.

The puzzle is that whenever I telnet to the server from my computer, the
modem connects to the ISP. If the modem doesn't connect right away, the
telnet session will delay starting. 

This is the routing table of the server.

Kernel IP routing table
Destination     Gateway         Genmask         Flags   MSS Window  irtt Iface
207.50.40.0     0.0.0.0         255.255.255.0   U      1500 0          0 eth0
192.168.0.0     0.0.0.0         255.255.255.0   U      1500 0          0 eth1
127.0.0.0       0.0.0.0         255.0.0.0       U      3584 0          0 lo
0.0.0.0         207.50.40.183   0.0.0.0         UG     1500 0          0 eth0

Any clues?
 
-- 
Regards,
Michael