(Sylvie Belmond | CLAIR – Simi Valley, CA) — If you love motorcycles, adventure, or just seeing the world from the comfort of your couch, you need to check out Itchy Boots, a YouTube channel that has captivated riders and travelers around the world. Noraly Schoenmaker, the woman behind the channel, is a Dutch geologist who left her career to explore the world on two wheels. Since then, she’s ridden across nearly every continent, tackling some of the most extreme terrain on the planet—all solo.
From the frozen highways of Alaska to the remote backroads of Africa and the rugged mountains of the Himalayas, Noraly has seen it all. And it’s not just smooth sailing—she’s dealt with mechanical breakdowns in the middle of nowhere, political unrest, and even had to escape a gang in South America. But through it all, she keeps going, capturing every moment on her helmet camera so we can come along for the ride.
More Than Just Asphalt: The Thrill of Off-Road Adventure
Noraly isn’t just about cruising down paved highways—she’s a seriously skilled off-road rider who thrives on rough terrain. She’s tackled deep sand dunes, rocky mountain trails, and river crossings that would stop most riders in their tracks. She actively seeks out the toughest routes, constantly pushing herself and her bike to the limit. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding off the beaten path, her videos will inspire you to dust off your adventure bike and hit the trails.
A SoCal Connection: Desert Rides and the Baja Rally
For riders in Simi Valley and Ventura County, there’s an extra reason to follow Noraly—she’s ridden through Southern California’s desert landscapes and even competed in the legendary Baja Rally. If you’ve ever twisted the throttle through the SoCal desert, you’ll recognize some of the same trails she’s tackled.
One of the most compelling aspects of Itchy Boots is how Noraly interacts with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s staying in a tiny village in the Andes, fixing her bike with a roadside mechanic in Africa, or sharing tea with locals in the Middle East, she gets a firsthand look at how people live across the world. Her journey isn’t just about the ride—it’s about experiencing new cultures, forming connections, and seeing the world in a way most people never get to.
Even when the road gets tough—whether she’s exhausted, lost, or struggling with a bike issue—her love for adventure keeps her going. She truly enjoys every moment, embracing the challenges as part of the ride.
Want to ride along?
Check out her California adventure: Watch the California Desert Ride
Follow her latest journey through Saudi Arabia: Watch Itchy Boots in Saudi Arabia
And if you want to go deeper into her wildest stories, she’s just released a book about her adventures: Check out Itchy Boots – The Book
For the full experience, watch her videos on a big-screen TV—the stunning landscapes and first-person riding footage make you feel like you’re right there with her.
Have you ever ridden any of the same trails as Itchy Boots? Drop a comment and let us know!
