Photographs by Dan Sammons (@dan_sammons)
Damian Garcia, better known as Johnny Bones, loves racing fast. But he also thinks turtles are awesome.
It’s this hard-yet-humorous approach to everything that has made Garcia’s Instagram and clothing line, Johnny Bones, so successful. Take a look at his profile and you’ll find stunning photos of Garcia and his buddies popping wheelies, goofing around, and really just doing what they love: riding.
We had to find out more about this bearded entrepreneur/badass, so recently we spoke to Garcia about where the name ‘Johnny Bones’ comes from, his deep devotion to Harleys, and that one time he rode his then-girlfriend’s bike, only to have it go down in flames.
1. Where are you currently located?
I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have lived out here for about 4 years, but I grew up in South Lake Tahoe, CA.
2. What is your occupation?
I work for a media production studio called Ori Media. We work hand in hand with Canon USA generating content of the highest quality for our broad range of clients. I’m just getting into video production, so I’m just trying to learn and absorb as much as possible. I work with a group of like-minded professionals whom I love and have known for a while, so most times it hardly feels like work.
3. Why did you decide to start your own clothing line? How did you come up with the name Johnny Bones?
My best friend Dan (@Dan_sammons) and I have always wanted to create our own clothing since we were much younger.
Once the Instagram gained some traction, we decided there was no better time to release our debut line. The name Johnny Bones actually came from my brother, who passed away in 2008 from diabetes. He was a badass kid who was always pushing the boundaries of whatever he was doing, so it only seemed right.
4. You can do some sweet tricks on a bike. How long have you been riding a motorcycle, and how did you get into it?
Thanks. I have been riding motorcycles since I was about 12 years old. I got my first dirt bike when I was 14 I think. It was some kid’s old race bike, a 2-stroke 250 all bored out with race suspension. I loved riding fast. I crashed that thing a lot. My dad has been riding motorcycles since he was way young, so naturally I was always interested in them. When I turned 16 he knew I was a little crazier than anticipated and sold his street bike so I wouldn’t ever be tempted to ride it.
Needless to say my family doesn’t really approve of the way we ride, but they have always supported my decisions.
5. You’re seen riding your Harley a lot on Instagram. What are your favorite motorcycle manufacturers/bikes?
I’m a total Harley guy through and through. My first build was supposed to be a 79 KZ650. It was literally just a motor and a frame. The bike was gifted to me so naturally I spent all my money on parts. A week later I was riding the bike of my girlfriend at the time and it had a major gas leak. The cut pipes backfired when I was kicking it over and the thing went up in flames! We went through 3 fire extinguishers to no avail. We sat there and watched the bike burn to the ground.
I felt terrible that it happened, so I gave her my bike and all the parts money. So I saved up and with help of a close friend, I bought my sportster. Haven’t looked back ever since. The girl ended up completely rebuilding the bike I gave her, rode it twice, and bought a Harley. I'm planning on dropping in on a Dyna or an FXR this summer.
6. What is one interesting thing about yourself?
I like turtles.
7. Who/what influenced you to grow your beard? How long have you had a beard?
My buddies at Salt City Builds had a big influence. I used to hang out there all baby-faced and they all had gnarly beards. So I gave it a shot. 3 years later and I have only shaved it off once. I was pretty sure @kill_meow was going to break up with me she hated it so much. So I remain bearded.
8. Do you have any tips for beard growers?
Not really. Just grow one.
9. What is your greatest fear and have you conquered it?
Fuck spiders. No.
10. Where do you see yourself in the next year?
Well, since I am a millennial, I expect to be rich and retired. Effortlessly. Riding motorcycles all over the world.
Quick Answers
Right now, I’m obsessed with: self-destruction.
The first website I log onto every morning is: doyouwantmetohityouwiththis.com
My favorite Instagram to follow is: @HARLEYWHEELIES
I’d love to visit: my dad, in hell.
If I wasn’t doing this job, I would: be homeless.
Follow Damian Garcia on Instagram @johnny_bones. Check out his website at JohnnyBones.Co.
