The Legends of the Lower 48 concept is a project I have been visualizing for several years. Until recently, this project did not have a name nor a definitive goal. All I knew is that I wanted to ride my motorcycle around the country and couple it with a meaningful project.
In 2004 my older brother was in complete renal failure and required a kidney. Fortunately, I was a perfect match and was prepared to donate my left kidney to give him a life outside of the dialysis he needed to endure several times per week.
After recuperating from surgery, I had a new outlook on where I wanted my life to go and embodied the mantra of Adventure!
I became a professional skydiver and private pilot, filming and photographing clients flying through the air at 120 MPH, 13,000 feet above the ground. As a skydiving instructor, I accumulated over 2,800 skydives. I celebrated with countless kids entering adulthood on their 18th birthday and helped many terminal patients fulfill their final wishes.
During the winter months, I put my camera to use in the Utah backcountry, filming and photographing skiers and snowmobilers in some of the steepest terrains Utah has to offer.
As much as I loved skydiving all summer and skiing all winter, it became apparent that that lifestyle was not sustainable, especially after a couple of season-ending injuries.
I focused my attention on commercial photography and corporate video and started my company, Thin Air Media, LLC, in 2012. That is also when my love of adventure riding took off!
The motorcycle community is in many ways, like the skydiving community. I have found we all have one thing in common, a sense of freedom, regardless of age, race, gender, or wealth.
And now for the next chapter - Legends of the Lower 48.
I'm departing from Utah mid-April for an epic adventure throughout the United States. My mission is to have people nominate local Legends of the motorcycle community and highlight their contributions and legacies.
I am thrilled to be able to utilize my love of photography and film to capture and bring these Legends stories to life! The final results being a beautiful book, engaging podcasts, and a behind-the-scenes look through social media and website. With stunning photography, audio and video, we'll take our readers, viewers, and listeners on a tour of our beautiful country and those who live in it from the viewpoint of two wheels!
I cordially invite you to join us on this magnificent journey.
Tyson Sugihara
Founder - Legends of the Lower 48.
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