[V8] operating with timing belt cover off?

[Chris Brown]

hi guys, on my older Audi (i own 2) 
  Its a 87 quattro with 200,000 miles on it. It is currently my winter car, i ride my Harley all summer. Anyhow,  i plan on driving this Audi all winter. The timing belt has 100,000 on it. I have my mechanic check it periodically when he changes my oil and the last few times he said "i looks good" Anyway i don't want to spend 500.00 on this car to have that job done and ive never done it myself. 
  So the question is: 
   Do you guys think it would be ok to operate the car this winter with the cover off so i can really keep a eye on it and check it every couple of weeks for bad spots? 
 What are the chances a small pebble will get under there and cause damage or it to lose time? 

 Since i bought the 1990 V8,  i need to save money for that car to get it on the road because, yes i bought a nice one off Ebay for 1000.00 with a snapped belt, at 76,000 original miles on car. the thing is absolutely perfect with the orig sticker for the window except the guy didnt do the belt and bammm,  blown engine. 
 
 Should i take chance operating the 87 all winter with 100,000 on belt. 
  thanks
  Chris