Bicycle Mechanics - Rear Hub Housing Bad

I was on TOSRV last weekend and there was a grinding noise in the back wheel. A mechanic from TREK who trains bicycle wrenches took the hub apart and repacked the bearings. He told me the housing was bad and to take it easy so I could finish the century. I came home and went to the LBS who ordered the part. Now I am wondering if it is safe to ride another century tomorrow. I thought I was happy to finish TOSRV, but a girl in my bike club said her housing was bad and she has been riding for a long time on it. I don't want to do additional damage to the bike. Should I ride it tomorrow? I have a cell phone so I can call home if it fails. BTW, how will I know it fails, will the wheel lock up or fall off or will it just develop more play and make more noise?

The hub is allready damaged. It is probably worn races. If the wheel spins ok and has not loosened then I would say go for it. The only thing that is likely to get beat is the hub. I have seen hubs that were wornout, and not repacked like yours, last years in the hands of poor commuters.
At the worst it might loosen some and you will need to open your brake QR to allow for a little wiggle, shifting might suffer a little.

Thanks Rev, I took it easy, and shifted early and didn't stand or mash the gears on TOSRV, but I was worried the bike would fall apart. Can't believe I didn't ask what would happen? You saved my ride on Sunday. It wasn't until late Saturday after planning on riding on Sunday that I remembered about the "little problem". The bike is a Lemond BA, 2002 with @6000 miles on it. I have ridden in the rain a lot. In fact, I'm thinking of hiring myself out draught areas. On every organized ride on my bicycle and every long distance tour on the motorcyle, I am able to convice the rain gods to bring on rain, thunder and lightening.

If it has seen a lot of rain, you might want to ge the front hub and headset done and pull the BB out to check for water and rust. The BB is cartridge so it is unlikely to ba damaged itself but water will get in the shell. Pull out the seat post and regrease it as well.