Book Blurb:
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
By the YouTube sensation with three million followers, the inspiring account of a young woman who, in a moment of personal crisis, embarked on an epic, transcontinental motorcycle ride—and along the way found a new sense of purpose.
Noraly Schoenmaker was a thirtysomething geologist living in the Netherlands when she learned that her live-in partner had been having an affair. In desperate need of a new beginning, she decided to quit her job and jet off to India. But her plans were dashed when she fell quickly and helplessly in love: with a motorcycle. Behind the handlebars of a Royal Enfield, a short tour of the Himalayas quickly morphed into an epic 20,000-mile journey. She would cover remote and utterly unfamiliar territory, break down on impossibly steep mountains, and push too many miles down empty roads. But through her travels, she discovered the true beauty and simplicity of the world’s open spaces, the kindness of its people, and a newfound, unshakable belief in her capabilities.
Free Ride is a “no-frill, from-the-heart” (BBC) story of self-discovery and renewal that is filled with unforgettable figures and hilarious disasters, showing what happens when you open your heart and let the world in.
My Review:
One of my bookblogger buddies recommended this book to me and so glad she did. Not like I didn’t have riding buddies in my women’s riding groups that pulled some amazing miles, but granted, though many of them enjoyed off-road bikes, I wasn’t one of them. I was definitely more the cruiser type, not the Road King level cruiser, but my BMW caught many an eye.
Having gotten separated from my riding buddy as we were approaching Death Valley (she stopped for breakfast and I thought we were going straight through), I seldom rode alone. When I stopped at Furnace Creek to ask about her, was asked if I was riding alone, and if I had plenty of water. I told him, yes, for the bike. I didn’t plan to stop.
This woman rider was riding an off-road bike—400 lbs fully loaded…and single cylinder (Royal Enfield. I forget which model and I’ve also forgotten whether it was air/oil cooled rather than liquid cooled—might have been important considering where she was riding).
Not like she hadn’t ridden before, just that she wasn’t used to riding off paved roads.
Discovering her partner had been cheating on her for some time, she decided the best way to get over it was to get a bike and ride. Not the first time that’s happened, just a little extreme in this case.
Based out of the Netherlands, she had designs on riding to India. But that ride quickly gave her the taste for more…the Himalayas and frigid temps, wide open spaces and deserts, roads barely more than goat paths.
Taking off with as little prep or knowledge as she had, she did give some thought to getting some lessons on the way, which helped as there was almost no obstacle she didn’t encounter, including engine problems, flat tires, quest for gas, food, and shelter. For the most part, she found only men willing to help (not menace), and appeared to navigate customs, language, and clothing fairly well.
I enjoyed the tidbits of history, their food, culture, and language as well as her personal history, but the latter of which temporarily interrupted the pace of her narrative. She usually held a positive outlook, and when confronted with situations that appeared hopeless with the equipment or a remote location, kept her wits about her, puzzling out solutions.
Having worked as a geologist in remote areas, she was not unfamiliar with periods of total isolation. Her experiences with extreme weather and the people she met along the way served to forge a new reality in her and she came to revel in her strengths and the ability to overcome critical conditions and decision-making.
I would think anyone who has ever ridden would enjoy her book and marvel at the accomplishments made by a solo female rider in unfamiliar territory. It’s a fascinating chronicle and confirms what we always said, “It’s not the destination—it’s the ride!”
Many thanks to my local library for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars 
Book Details:
Genre: Transportation Engineering, Travelogues & Travel Essays, Travel Writing & Commentary
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Narrator: Imani Jade Powers
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Title Links:
Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
The Author: Noraly Schoenmaker is the creator of Itchy Boots, a YouTube channel with three million loyal subscribers. A motorcycling obsessive, her journeys have taken her the length of the American continent, from Argentina to Alaska; from the northernmost point of Europe to the southernmost point of Africa; and to some of the least traveled regions of the globe. Trained as a biologist and geologist, she is based in the Netherlands. [Amazon]
Noraly Schoenmaker, known as Itchy Boots, is a Dutch adventurer and popular content creator on YouTube, renowned for her thrilling motorcycle journeys around the world. She initially worked as a geologist in gold exploration but later decided to leave her job to follow her passion for travel and adventure.
She launched her YouTube channel in 2018, documenting her adventures across various continents, including Asia, Africa, and South America, in a simple and engaging style. Noraly shares her daily experiences on the road, including the challenges she faces on rough terrains and in harsh weather conditions, making her content both realistic and inspiring.
Noraly has gained widespread fame for her courage and love of exploring the world, inspiring her followers to pursue their dreams and embrace new experiences. The Itchy Boots channel has become a favorite destination for adventure and travel enthusiasts, showcasing how passion can transform lives. [Goodreads]
Website
https://www.itchyboots.com/
©2026 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 