Pastors Look Forward To Riding Again After Accident

Local pastors Greg and Christine Holler-Dinsmore were enjoying their normal routine of riding their tandem bike for about 18-20 miles on Aug. 4, when an incident occurred that resulted in a great amount of concern and worries from their many friends. The pastors were struck by a vehicle during their ride on Highway 25.

“Neither of us remember anything,” Greg said. “The next thing I remember is waking up in the ER here.”

Greg was released from the hospital after four days. He suffered cracked ribs and had some other bruises.

“I was lucky,” he noted. Christine suffered more serious injuries including shattered vertebrae, but she was able to return to her Wolf Point home from Billings on Sept. 13.

“I’m dressing her wounds and helping with stuff,” Greg said. He is back open for business at the Spirit of Life Community Bike Shop.

They were told that the injuries would have been worse if the couple wasn’t in good physical condition.

Greg and Christine have been riding together for 42 years. Their experiences have featured riding in many spots of the world including Europe and Australia.

They also feel the thoughts and prayers from friends, family members and others played a positive role in their recovery.

“We’re totally humbled and grateful for the support we got from the community,” Greg said. “Living in a small community is such a blessing. I think the number of prayers lifted us up.”

The couple has lived in the area for about 30 years. Greg served as pastor at First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point for 15 years. He now conducts services in Poplar and Mc-Cabe. Christine taught at Fort Peck Community College for 20 years, then retired and became a chaplain. She had been holding services in Fort Peck.

Greg has been doing some riding in his basement. The goal is for both of them to return to the roads this spring.

“Riding is a part of us,” Greg explained.