Background checks will show it as reckless driving. While a lot of people don't get worked up over misdemeanor traffic citations it will show on your record. I think I would contact an attorney with assistance in trying to get it pled down to a non-criminal offense. You just can't say "I plead no misdemeanor" you need to have your attorney work it out with the prosecutor first.
You don't want to just "not appear" either. Why have you waited until the last minute. Get on the phone to an attorney first thing Monday morning.
No a continuance won't hurt you (especially if it is because the attorney requests it).

