Free Ride cover art

Free Ride

Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey that Changed My Life

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Free Ride

By: Noraly Schoenmaker
Narrated by: Imani Jade Powers
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About this listen

By 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 love: 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 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. 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.

© 2025 Noraly Schoenmaker (P) 2025 DK Audio

Imani Jade Powers
is an actor, writer and singer who has narrated over 90 audiobooks. She has narrated romance, contemporary fiction, fantasy and YA. Including the likes of Ava Reid’s Lady Macbeth and Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Beautiful Ones. When she is not narrating she is acting specifically on Broadway in Harry Potter & The Cursed Child.

Noraly Schoenmaker is the creator of Itchy Boots, a YouTube channel with more than two 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 travelled regions of the globe. Trained as a biologist and geologist, she is based in the Netherlands.

Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Asia Travel Writing & Commentary Women Funny Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Witty Inspiring Middle East Iran

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All stars
Most relevant
Well done Itchy Boots!
Thanks for helping us understand the birth of an adventurer.

I've been following Noraly's adventures on YouTube for a couple of years now but this book has driven me to start at the beginning.
I am excited to watch the films from the start of the Itchy Boots channel as Noraly has transformed into a professional adventurer, film maker and storyteller.

Can't wait!

Great story of rebirth and finding a passion for adventure!

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I enjoyed the content, however; the way it was read made it less enjoyable. some areas very monitone.As I was keen to know the story, it meant I could keep listening. I would like to read/hear more adventures now though.

A seemingly normal person, undertaking such an adventure.

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Wonderful insight into travelling via motorcycle with little to no experience. Inspirational for those who question themselves when down and proof that you can do it! Even if you think you can’t.

The honesty and bravery is impressive.

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after watching itchy boots on youtube, this book told the other side of the story, as Noraly talks openly about her life and how those boots itch so much. I wish I was as brave as Noraly.

talking openly about her journey

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A True story of what people can and often don't do, that makes you appreciate life more

Story of humanity

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