A Book Review: “Free Ride:
Noraly Schoenmaker’s Adventures Through an Author’s Eyes”
Introduction
Outdoor
adventures often spark inspiration from unexpected places. For me, it was my
son Timothy who opened the door to Itchy Boots, a YouTube channel chronicling
Noraly Schoenmaker’s solo motorcycle journeys. What began as family evenings
watching her rides soon grew into a deeper appreciation for storytelling,
exploration, and the courage to share one’s experiences with the world.
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Thank you to
my son Timothy, whose enthusiasm first introduced me to the YouTube channel
Itchy Boots. Cathy, Tim, and I made a ritual of watching
Noraly Schoenmaker’s adventures whenever Tim visited us in Sunapee, NH. Over
the past two years, our evenings often included two to four of Itch Boots half‑hour episodes—each one a
window into the thrill of solo motorcycle travel.
Curious to
learn more, I picked up Noraly’s book Free Ride, a 270‑page account of her journeys. I finished it in less than a
week, captivated by her vivid storytelling. As a fellow author, I admired her
style. Critics of my own ten books have sometimes noted that I skim over
details—whether describing Tim and me
paddling over Long Lake Dam or the sensation of paddling the five mile Allagash’s
Chase Rapid. Noraly, by contrast, paints her experiences with rich detail that
pulls the reader right alongside her.
Interestingly,
Noraly shared in an interview that she drafted Free Ride in her native Danish,
uncertain of her English writing skills. The manuscript was later translated
into English, yet the result is seamless and engaging.
After
immersing myself in both her videos and her book, I found myself wishing she
had written more about the behind‑the‑scenes
challenges—like learning to master drones that
captured sweeping shots above and beside her motorcycle … all the while riding
her motorcycle. Equally impressive is her ability to film, edit, and publish Itchy
Boots video episodes within days of riding through remote landscapes.
Noraly has
also completed a ride from Argentina to Alaska, a journey I hope will be the
focus of her next book.
So thank
you, Noraly, for sharing your adventures. And thank you, Tim and Cathy, for
making Itchy Boots part of our family evenings.
Closing
Adventure is
never just about the miles traveled—it’s about the people who inspire us, the
stories that fuel our imagination, and the communities we build along the way.
As I continue sharing my own journeys with my OutdoorSteve Blog and books, I
carry with me the spirit of Noraly’s rides, the joy of evenings with Tim and
Cathy, and the reminder that every trail, paddle, or ride becomes richer when
shared.
Click To Order Your Own Copy of FREE RIDE By Norlay Schoenmaker
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For more of Steve’s outdoor guidebooks and documentary videos, visit OutdoorSteve.com and Outdooradventurers.blogspot.com.
