If you really want to contest the ticket, then you'll have to show up, or the court may allow someone to represent you in your absence.. i.e. a lawyer.
http://www.traffic-ticket.com/ is run by a (former?) CEGer and offers a free laywer referral service. Maybe see if you can find someone in that area and talk to them about what you can/should do.
If you refuse to pay, then a bench warrant can be issued and your privelege to drive can be revoked. If the two states have some sort of non-resident violator agreement signed, then the privelege can be revoked in your home state...
