Advocacy & Safety - Cracked Rim

So I just noticed a thin 1/4" crack in my rear rim on the drive side, about 2 spokes away from the valve-stem running in the circumfrence direction on my bike. It is near the inside, spanning the center-point of the spoke.

My question is this... While I plan to replace my rim ASAP, that point is not until Sunday. I feel it is safe to put about 80-100 more miles on the rim until then, but I wanted to get some other opinions in case I am making a dire mistake. This is on a 36 spoke wheel.

The ride I would really like to do this Saturday morning has about 2800' of climbing.

If i get strong differing opinions, I'll sacrifice my commute tomorrow and take it into the LBS for repair.

If you have the money, go buy a new rim. I'm guessing that 2800' of climbing equates equals some downhill - not worth the risk. I've ridden cracked rims but I was really poor. Heck, there's a good chance they'll warranty it for you.

I called a couple shops around, and noone seems to carry 36 spoke rims. And it sounds if they did, I am looking at about a week to get it fixed. So now its just a saftey concern. Looks like my decents will be extra slow and controlled.

Bay Area means Northern Cal, right? American Cyclery in SF and Rivendell Bicycle Works in Walnut Creek carry 36 hole rims.

Sailguy -

If you haven't done so already, you might wish to check with The Bicycle Outfitter and/or Shaw's.

SteveE

Checked into Bicycle Outfitters. They have me scheduled for repairs on the 4th. Checking with the mech, he said that its not a big issue, especially with it being on the rear wheel. When it goes, it should just rub against the chainstaty, but mostly it will feel like its a bit out of true.

I feel a bit better about the situation. I really didn't want to be off my bike for two weeks.