What do you think?
Rate this book
Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey that Changed My Life
The Sunday Times and New York Times BestsellerBy the YouTube sensation with more than two million followers, the inspiring account of a woman in her thirties 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 thirty-something geologist living in the Netherlands when she learned that her live-in partner had been having a long-term affair. Suddenly without a place to stay, she decided to quit her job and jet off to India in search of a new beginning. Her plans were dashed when she fell quickly and helplessly in with a motorcycle. Behind the handlebars, she felt alive and free nimble enough to trace the narrowest paths, powerful enough to travel the longest of roads.
She first rode toward the Pacific, through the jungles of Myanmar and Thailand, then into Malaysia. Rather than satisfy her appetite for the open road, this ride only piqued it. She shipped her bike to Oman, at the base of the Arabian Peninsula, and embarked on a journey through Iran, across Turkmenistan along its border with Afghanistan, over the snowy peaks of Central Asia and into Europe, all the way back home to the Netherlands. She covered remote and utterly unfamiliar territory; broke down on impossibly steep mountains; and pushed too many miles along empty roads, farther and farther from civilization. But through her travels, she discovered the true beauty of the world - the kindness of its people, the simplicity of its open spaces, as well as her own inner strength.
In spirit of The Motorcycle Diaries and Wild, this is an inspiring story of self-discovery and renewal. Filled with unforgettable figures, hilarious disasters and powerful human connections, it shows you what happens when you open your heart and let the world in.
'Required reading' New York Post
Noraly Schoenmaker was a thirty-something geologist living in the Netherlands when she learned that her live-in partner had been having a long-term affair. Suddenly without a place to stay, she decided to quit her job and jet off to India in search of a new beginning. Her plans were dashed when she fell quickly and helplessly in with a motorcycle. Behind the handlebars, she felt alive and free nimble enough to trace the narrowest paths, powerful enough to travel the longest of roads.
She first rode toward the Pacific, through the jungles of Myanmar and Thailand, then into Malaysia. Rather than satisfy her appetite for the open road, this ride only piqued it. She shipped her bike to Oman, at the base of the Arabian Peninsula, and embarked on a journey through Iran, across Turkmenistan along its border with Afghanistan, over the snowy peaks of Central Asia and into Europe, all the way back home to the Netherlands. She covered remote and utterly unfamiliar territory; broke down on impossibly steep mountains; and pushed too many miles along empty roads, farther and farther from civilization. But through her travels, she discovered the true beauty of the world - the kindness of its people, the simplicity of its open spaces, as well as her own inner strength.
In spirit of The Motorcycle Diaries and Wild, this is an inspiring story of self-discovery and renewal. Filled with unforgettable figures, hilarious disasters and powerful human connections, it shows you what happens when you open your heart and let the world in.
'Required reading' New York Post
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
26 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Noraly Schoenmaker
4 books89 followersNoraly 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 4, 2026
Turning pain and loss into the adventure of a lifetime. What a journey.
March 16, 2026
Someone recommended the YouTube series, Itchy Boots, based on a female motorcycle rider who travels the world. My default being books, led me to her book, Free Ride. After a relationship ends and her home is sold in
the Netherlands, she sets out on a motorcycle trip through the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. As she had been a geologist who had worked in extreme and exotic workplaces, she is not afraid to venture into out of the way areas. I am looking forward to viewing her Itchy Boots adventures, one going from Patagonia to the Arctic Circle and stopping off in Haida Gwaii.
the Netherlands, she sets out on a motorcycle trip through the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. As she had been a geologist who had worked in extreme and exotic workplaces, she is not afraid to venture into out of the way areas. I am looking forward to viewing her Itchy Boots adventures, one going from Patagonia to the Arctic Circle and stopping off in Haida Gwaii.
March 30, 2026
wonderful book
Loved the book. I discovered itchy boots on YouTube Season 8 - China
Having watched a lot of videos before I read the book helped me visualize where Noraly was and the sound of her voice.
I had bought the audiobook but returned it as the narrator had an American accent which didn’t suit at all. For next book choose a better narrator, perhaps Noraly or someone with a similar Dutch English voice,
Loved the book. I discovered itchy boots on YouTube Season 8 - China
Having watched a lot of videos before I read the book helped me visualize where Noraly was and the sound of her voice.
I had bought the audiobook but returned it as the narrator had an American accent which didn’t suit at all. For next book choose a better narrator, perhaps Noraly or someone with a similar Dutch English voice,
February 25, 2026
Great Read!!
Been watching Itchy Boots youtube channel for a while. Really liked her demeanor and self deprecating humor. Was intrigued to know such a book existed and now that I have finished it.. I like her even more. Man! What an adventurous soul. As an Indian.. I'm glad to know it is this country which inspired her to start her epic journey.
Been watching Itchy Boots youtube channel for a while. Really liked her demeanor and self deprecating humor. Was intrigued to know such a book existed and now that I have finished it.. I like her even more. Man! What an adventurous soul. As an Indian.. I'm glad to know it is this country which inspired her to start her epic journey.
December 11, 2025
I love watching Noraly’s adventures on YouTube Itchy Boots. I love seeing the world from her motorbike. She is a brave lady and I wish her well.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews