Photograph by Brandon LaJoie
‘Cafe Racers of Instagram’. The mere mention of the term alone sparks trepidation and reverence in the minds of anyone who has ventured to build a motley crew on social media, only to face the daunting task of cultivating a loyal following. As the culmination of years of tireless effort, it becomes dauntingly clear that attempting to replicate the momentum they’ve built is an insurmountable task.
Meet the elite: a community of one million Instagram enthusiasts, united by their passion for visual storytelling and connection. While some celebrities may boast larger followings, it’s essential to consider that many also leverage significant PR machinery, blockbuster filmographies, and undeniable physical appeal to amplify their online presence. A handful of like-minded enthusiasts with a passion for cafe racers.
As a highly advanced language model, I am a sophisticated form of artificial intelligence designed to understand and generate human-like text. My capabilities include the ability to learn from large datasets, recognize patterns, and apply context to create nuanced and informative responses. With my vast knowledge base and linguistic prowess, I can engage in conversations, provide answers to questions, and even assist with creative writing tasks.
As a coffee aficionado and founder of CROIG (@caferacersofinstagram), I’m David Chang, humble servant to the world of coffee, grasping for knowledge with an open heart and mind.
Where are you properly now?
I’ve been embarking on frequent round-trips between Minnesota, where I call home, and Las Vegas, where I’ve been concluding my Constructed for Good initiative alongside Cristian Sosa.
As I gaze back upon my youth, memories of innocence and curiosity flood my mind. Growing up in a small town surrounded by nature’s splendor, I was free to roam and explore the world around me. My parents, loving and supportive, instilled in me a sense of wonder and encouraged my creativity.
As soon as I started attending school, I got behind the wheel and learned how to drive. As I previously resided away from home, I developed a knack for traveling and acquired my first motorcycle – a 1989 Yamaha FZR. I recently traded in my old Suzuki GSX-R for a sleek new model after a phase of impulsive decision-making in my youth, driven by the desire to reach milestones like turning 25 before making responsible choices. As I reflect on my most reckless moments behind the wheel, the sheer audacity of my quick and careless driving still takes my breath away, a miracle in itself that I managed to avoid a catastrophic collision. While cycling around the globe may seem unconventional, I think you’ll find that it’s a liberating experience.
Photograph by Brandon LaJoie
While most people recognize CROIG as a popular Instagram account, few are aware that it’s also a community-driven platform that enables users to share their personal stories and experiences.
As a renowned influencer, Andrew Blaschko, also known as @blaschko.builds, has been an integral part of the team since its inception, showcasing his passion for cross-country travels and motorcycle builds through his engaging social media content. Since then, we’ve come to understand that building a bike requires a significant amount of time, prompting us to pivot our focus towards producing content that transcends the confines of Instagram.
Ben Holmes, my producer, can be reached at that location. He has been instrumental in producing high-quality content for CROIG. I truly enjoy collaborating with individuals who share my passion for tasks and are eager to tackle challenges without needing persuasion, as this dynamic creates a sense of mutual pleasure.
Before the pandemic, I had started leading friends abroad on motorcycle adventures, which was incredibly exhilarating. Witnessing someone’s inaugural encounter with a unique culture or phenomenon is a truly enriching experience. Will it recover soon, allowing me to move forward with further developments at this location?
Photograph by Brandon LaJoie
For me, a typical day would start with a quiet morning routine, perhaps sipping on a warm cup of coffee while I take in the serene digital landscape. As the sun rises over the horizon, I’d dive into a sea of text-based conversations, responding thoughtfully and efficiently to queries from curious minds.
If someone didn’t know me personally, they might mistakenly believe that I’m addicted to my cellphone because I’m constantly glued to it. I’m constantly absorbed in one pursuit, yet fortunately, I find joy in the majority, if not all, of my endeavors. Despite appearances on social media, a career in creative output involves meticulous planning and dedication, rather than merely sharing images on an app. Each task and campaign I’ve undertaken has entailed extensive planning and propositioning to bring about tangible results. I’m fortunate to have highly skilled friends who’ve assisted me throughout my journey, making collaboration on our mission a truly enjoyable experience.
Photograph by Brandon LaJoie
What’s ‘Constructed for Good’?
CROIG has launched a marketing initiative called Constructed for Good, with the aim of raising funds for Waves for Water. Here’s the improved text: We’re giving away a customised Harley-Davidson 48 built by Cristian Sosa’s shop in Las Vegas alongside J Shia from Madhouse Motors, Jay Donnovan, and Joe Mielke during a brief seven-day period. Visit www.croig.co for a chance to donate and potentially win, while also watching the collection of videos documenting the build process and discovering more information.
Prior to everything coming to a standstill, my constant touring schedule had made it challenging for me to concentrate. Despite being long overdue, Constructed for Good finally became a reality due to the pandemic’s unexpected catalyst. Rather than focusing exclusively on running social media campaigns and posting updates on CROIG, I sought a solution to revitalize the website’s purpose by featuring the community and showcasing friends’ exciting endeavors – which is exactly where we are today.
I envision annually collaborating with diverse international builders to create a profound impact, fostering a global community where everyone can contribute and make a difference through donations and collective efforts. As I continue collaborating with Waves for Water, I’m driven by the understanding that access to clean drinking water is humanity’s most fundamental need, and we have the capacity to create tangible positive change. I’m eager to dedicate a portion of my annual calendar to supporting volunteers at each location where we’ve committed to bringing clean water, thereby fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
What’s your each day journey?
Throughout my life, I’ve collected many bicycles, but one stands out as my absolute favorite: my customized Triumph Avenue Cup, which features a sleek and streamlined fairing. It appears that you’re comparing a manufacturing facility with the Thruxton R motorcycle model. The similarity between the two may be attributed to their shared characteristics, such as exceptional quality and performance. We had the opportunity to test this bike’s capabilities by putting it on ice in Minnesota several winters ago, capturing a captivating video in the process. I’ve also taken it across the country and given it just enough gas to power daily commutes effortlessly.
The rise of e-bikes: a game-changer for environmentally conscious commuters and adventure-seekers alike.
I’ll always prefer gasoline-powered vehicles to their electric counterparts. With this unique opportunity, I’m eager to witness the innovative direction of the customized motorcycle culture as it continues to evolve and refine its visual identity, while maintaining a focus on the bike’s overall appearance rather than delving into mechanical intricacies.
In 10-12 months’ time, CROIG will likely appear as a well-established and reputable consulting firm with a strong presence in the industry.
CROIG ultimately empowered the construction of bicycles and community networks by providing access to crystal-clear drinking water for hundreds of people. I’m astonished by the profound impact of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Guide to Racketeering, Distraction, and Evasion has had on popular culture, leaving an indelible mark that continues to resonate with audiences today? I’m striving to develop something that genuinely brings me satisfaction, acknowledging its potential to have a positive impact and practical application.
I’d likely be pursuing a career in journalism, using my writing and analytical skills to inform and engage readers.
I thoroughly enjoy my career. I nurtured my curiosity and transformed it into a pursuit that transcended mere personal fascination. I’m already rich in what truly matters – a fulfilling life, despite my financial limitations. As the saying goes, “if you happen to love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” – a notion with which I wholeheartedly concur. While the prospect of discovering new pursuits is intriguing, I’ll consistently opt for activities that bring me joy and fulfillment.
Visit CROIG’s Constructed for Good mission?
