Hard Rider

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 12:46 pm

Parent riding across America in memory of son who passed away in car crash due to diabetes

Rex Covington sleeps in the back of the trailer he tows around the country. Covington is raising awareness about Type 1 Diabetes, after his son, who had the disease, was killed in a wreck. Photo/Brian Smith

Rex Covington and his son Chris had a typical father-son relationship.

They bonded over bikes, even though Rex did not particularly care for Chris’ Monster. The pair even went to Germany for a three-week trip to ride.

Chris was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2003 and was killed in a wreck after blacking out while suffering a low blood sugar incident at the age of 37. Covington, like most dads, was devastated and wondered if there was anything he could have done to prevent the passing of his son.

“I came up with many scenarios, but in the end, there was really nothing I could have done to stop my son from dying,” Covington stated.

Rex Covington, who says he has always been a vivid dreamer, had one early in January 2018 that would change the course of his life. He dreamed he was riding his motorcycle across the country to raise $90,000 to support diabetes research.

Covington said many people have supported his trek with meals, drinks and donations to which he thanks them all. Those wishing to donate can visit RidingForACure.com where every penny counts toward a cure for diabetes.

He is also looking for sponsors for his trip across America. Anyone wishing to sponsors for as little as $1 per month can visit Patreon.com/LoneStarRider or email Rex directly at rexjc@mac.com.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Dec. 11, edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.