DENVER — Dmitri Rumschlag opened the Z Cycle Shop in 2017 hoping to contribute to the community of cyclists in Denver. His small shop on Capitol Hill has created a community of its own supporting cyclists and making new cyclists out of Denverites.
"Dimitri is here seven days a week," said Rumschlag's girlfriend, Mellissa Morgan. "He is all about keeping people riding."
But his world came to a halt on December 4th when his car was hit by a stolen truck on the intersection of E 6th Street and N Washington Street. The suspects fled the scene.
"I got a call at like 11pm that he was in critical condition," said Morgan. "it's been a daily nightmare."
Rumschlag suffered seven broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, cuts, swelling, and most critically, a ruptured aorta.
"He was in critical condition for about three days," explained Morgan. "They found a brain injury A couple of days later. So that is now the goal is that the focus now is going to it's going to be subsequent therapy."
Now, the community and bike shop that he built is giving him a helping hand. After starting a GoFundMe page, the shop has raised more than $18,000 to help pay for medical bills. Neighbors and friends are also pitching in to keep the bike shop running while he is gone.
"When something like this happens, it's really so apparent how strong community is," said Morgan. "I feel like it's been really amazing to see the community come back and support him during this time."
Morgan says that he is recovering. A surgery to fix his heart was successful and he has been removed from a ventilator. However, his recovery is far from complete.
"He is going to be okay," she said. "People here are really beautiful. I love Denver, I love Capitol Hill."
If you want to support Dmitri Rumschlag and his recovery, you can visit his fundraising page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dmitri-to-ride-again-fund
