Looks like I got some misleading info from some skinny-minnies. They made it sound as if when the bike fails... it will be catastrophic. I actually did not do a charity ride because I did not think I could ride my big heavy mt. bike 40 miles.
It's not my only bike so I am riding. My wife just got a new road bike. If she drops me while I'm on the mtb then I'll climb back on the stallion. Until then... I'll drop a few pounds just so I don't have to fix or buy new wheels.
Thanks everyone!