Itchy Boots

**Daboo** · 09-23-20

I saw this thread over on the ST-Owners forum for well over a month and wondered what was the big deal about it. Finally, I clicked on it. I watched a minute or so of the video and gave up on it. I was going on a trip and there wasn't time to get involved in it.

But the thread has continued and I watched one of the videos a week or so ago...and liked it. I watched another and liked it again. Finally, after the third or fourth video, I subscribed to her channel. It's good. How she manages to put together an extremely professional video on the road and do it day after day, is beyond me.

This video below starts with her starting her day outside her tent. She then heads off to an island off the coast of Sweden. When she rides down the streets to find her hotel for the night, it's like you're there. I hope you enjoy it.

Chris

**Tigcraft** · 09-23-20

Yes it’s a brilliant story. Like you I got it recommended

**Richard230** · 09-23-20

I have watched videos of all of her trips since episode 1 where she bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan in India and took off through Asia, the Middle East, then South America, where she got stuck in Peru due to the pandemic a few months ago. She had to leave her Himalayan there and fly home just as the entire country went into lock down. After returning to the Netherlands, she bought a used Honda CB500X, rode that around Iceland and is now touring Europe. She is a very accomplished woman. I think she is 32 and has spent her 20's working for a big dredging company for about 5 years and visited many countries around the world before throwing in the towel and riding around the world. Also, she always tries to take the road less traveled.

**kickstandsup** · 09-23-20

My wife and I are watching her trip up through South America right now. Interesting to compare her approach to the Long Way Up series that just started. Noraly absolutely ROCKS. Gutsy, cheery and does an incredible job with the story/video. All Alone. Makes Ewan and Charley and the entourage look, well, really bad...

**Daboo** · 09-23-20

I am in awe of her. I know how long it takes me to download and review photos, let alone video. That can take hours and hours for only minutes of video. Plus, she has to find a way to upload it. And the computers she has to use need both Internet and power.

And then she still needs to plan the next day's trip. You can blow hours doing that too.

Oh yeah, and she needs to eat and sleep some time. Usually, she camps and she's said it takes her two hours to pack it all up...each day.

Yes, I'm in awe.

Chris

**Richard230** · 09-24-20

Did you notice that in her recent trips into Europe, she was the only person that seemed to be wearing a mask? Not even indoors, like in the shot of her and the owner of the coffee shop in the initial post video clip. Very curious. I thought everyone in Europe was wearing masks and it was only in the U.S. where there was a partial mask revolt.

At Alice's Restaurant the owners and all of their staff always wear face coverings and they will not serve anyone not also doing so.

**TheMeteor** · 09-28-20

My wife and I, too, watch her videos and catch up weekend mornings. My wife is in to gems and minerals so Noraly's (spelling??) references to geologic activities in Iceland were particularly interesting to her.

**Sundog52** · 09-30-20

She reminds me of https://samantha-brown.com/ on 2 wheels.

**kickstandsup** · 10-06-20

We've started watching her videos from the beginning...Season 1, Episode 1. It is very interesting to see how quickly she gets "better." Comparing Season 1 to Season 3, there's a dramatic improvement is sound, video and content. Truly well done and inspiring.

**Fearfas** · 10-06-20

Originally Posted by Richard230

Did you notice that in her recent trips into Europe, she was the only person that seemed to be wearing a mask? Not even indoors, like in the shot of her and the owner of the coffee shop in the initial post video clip. Very curious. I thought everyone in Europe was wearing masks and it was only in the U.S. where there was a partial mask revolt.

At Alice's Restaurant the owners and all of their staff always wear face coverings and they will not serve anyone not also doing so.

Different countries different laws. Here in Spain is mandatory to wear a mask EVERYWERE outside your house, with fines starting €100-€3000 depending on how you behave with the cops when they catch you. In Italy started to be mandatory a few days ago, as well as in France.. The rest not so much.

**Richard230** · 10-06-20

Originally Posted by Fearfas

Different countries different laws. Here in Spain is mandatory to wear a mask EVERYWERE outside your house, with fines starting €100-€3000 depending on how you behave with the cops when they catch you. In Italy started to be mandatory a few days ago, as well as in France.. The rest not so much.

In California the rules seem to change from day to day and from county to county. The cops don't enforce the virus rules they let businesses do that for them - at least until they get shut down again by the county health officers. I don't know how anyone can stay in business when the rules are changing all the time. It must drive small businessmen crazy.

You would think that since the virus is pretty much the same around the entire world, the advice and regulations regarding how to stay safe and how to enforce it should also be the same. But that certainly is not the case.

Here the politicians who publish the rules always say that they are determined by the "science and data". But they never say which science and which data. That may be one reason why the public doesn't always pay much attention to them - other than wearing a mask when inside a building.

**Daboo** · 10-06-20

Originally Posted by kickstandsup

We've started watching her videos from the beginning...Season 1, Episode 1. It is very interesting to see how quickly she gets "better." Comparing Season 1 to Season 3, there's a dramatic improvement is sound, video and content. Truly well done and inspiring.

I think there's two things going on there. Technology is getting better. And she's sharp. If I had a business, I'd hire her in a heartbeat. She knows how to think on her feet. She faces challenges and gets around them. And she seems to have a personality that can be positive in almost any situation. You can train someone on the skills needed for a job, but you can't train people on the basic character traits she has.

Chris

**kickstandsup** · 10-07-20

Originally Posted by Daboo

I think there's two things going on there. Technology is getting better. And she's sharp. If I had a business, I'd hire her in a heartbeat. She knows how to think on her feet. She faces challenges and gets around them. And she seems to have a personality that can be positive in almost any situation. You can train someone on the skills needed for a job, but you can't train people on the basic character traits she has.

Chris

I think that's right, but clearly she chooses to make the tech transparent to the viewer. She does the occasional "behind the scenes" video, which makes it interesting.

Also agree about her personality and approach, positive and relaxed. She's clearly having fun, and that comes across.

She's been doing some interviews, you've probably seen the one on ADVrider, but here's one in Dutch (with captions):

https://youtu.be/ZbBLNnS4VQk

**Daboo** · 10-07-20

Latest edition. She's staying in a pod in Sweden Lapland.

Chris

**Daboo** · 10-09-20

This is the best of the videos in Sweden. Just amazing.

Chris

**Daboo** · 10-19-20

Latest episode. There's a couple between this and the last one.

If you want to see stunning jaw-dropping scenery, watch this one. Don't quit at what seems like the "end". She has some drone footage at the end that you'll enjoy.

Chris

**Richard230** · 10-19-20

I think that drone footage during the last couple of minutes is the best part of the video.

**Daboo** · 10-21-20

The latest... I found myself saying "Wow!" and "Ooo...wow!" many times. I'd love to have been there in person.

Chris

**kickstandsup** · 10-21-20

Great episode...we've now watched everything except episode 99, which seems to have been removed. Wonder why?

Norway is now on our "list," assuming we can ever get back to Europe and start riding again. In a fit of optimism, I booked flights for next year. Cancellable, of course.

**Richard230** · 10-21-20

That drone of hers is just amazing. Somehow it manages to follow her from quite some distance away while she is riding along. And of course it does a really good job picking up wonderful scenery when she is directly controlling it.

**Daboo** · 10-21-20

I've seen videos made with drones like that before. There's some kind of control that makes the drone stay within range of the controller, which is on the bike.

I'm just amazed at how well she puts these videos together. And somehow, when she starts out at 7am for breakfast...and has been up for a couple hours already...she is cheerful, even when camping overnight in the cold and rain. She must have a great personality, because so many people meet her and want to help her out.

Chris

**petespace1** · 10-29-20

Absolutely agree with every ones comments above.
This humble and good natured woman has done more for motorcycle travel than many well known personalities; and with less equipment no entourage and absolute professionalism.

"

The world knows Noraly Schoenmaker, a 32-year-old Dutch traveler and adventurer, as “Itchy Boots.” This is the name of her insanely successful YouTube channel, which now boasts nearly half a million subscribers and allows Noraly to travel full time. However, Noraly wasn't always a social media star.

" says Magzter see link below.

https://www.magzter.com/article/Auto...to/ITCHY-BOOTS

https://www.itchyboots.com

**Richard230** · 10-29-20

Noraly has produced her last video for a while. It looks like she has returned home to work on some "projects" during the winter. I imagine that she will go back to riding again when things warm up in Europe next year - or whenever it warms up there. Personally, I would really like to see her return to Peru where her Royal Enfield Himalayan is being stored until the pandemic crisis is over so that she can continue her trip north to Alaska.

**kickstandsup** · 11-09-20

She has her website store up an running. Just ordered 2 neck tubes...

**Elizdad** · 11-09-20

anyone notice the postage stamp size screen on ronin ?

**Sundog52** · 11-09-20

Originally Posted by kickstandsup

......there's a dramatic improvement is sound, video and content. Truly well done and inspiring.

I assume she uploads the raw footage and someone else does the editing and adds background music. Is that a fair assumption? Who are the credits?

**Daboo** · 11-09-20

I think she does it all.

It kinda puts into perspective other rider's trips like the HD electric bikes with their entire support team.

Chris

**XR1000** · 11-10-20

A friend who was considering a Himalayan told me about her adventures and I watched quite a few until she had to abandon the South America-Alaska trip. I got the impression she was doing all the editing work and yes, it's very well done. I hadn't watched for a while, but the other night she stole my motorcycle heart! She was getting a new pipe put on her Honda and then wandered off towards the sweet sound a Gixxer dyno session. The look on her face said it all, she really digs motorcycle. I hope she's able to keep her dream going..

**Daboo** · 11-10-20

Originally Posted by XR1000

...the other night she stole my motorcycle heart! ...

Yeah, she stole mine too.

Chris

**Richard230** · 11-10-20

Unfortunately, Noraly has started a new series of episodes that seems to be focused on the local motorcycle scene and her experiences riding on a race track. The first video has her riding a mini-bike on a track. Not all that interesting to me. I preferred her travel experiences.

**TheMeteor** · 11-10-20

Originally Posted by XR1000

She was getting a new pipe put on her Honda and then wandered off towards the sweet sound a Gixxer dyno session. The look on her face said it all, she really digs motorcycle. I hope she's able to keep her dream going..

That's too funny that you mention that as my wife and I watched that episode Saturday and, when the GSXR started screaming so sweetly we saw Noraly's face and my wife said, 'she really loves her bikes!"

**TheMeteor** · 11-10-20

Originally Posted by Richard230

Unfortunately, Noraly has started a new series of episodes that seems to be focused on the local motorcycle scene and her experiences riding on a race track. The first video has her riding a mini-bike on a track. Not all that interesting to me. I preferred her travel experiences.

It looks like the COVID travel restrictions are just forcing her to tack a bit until she can travel freely again.

**Richard230** · 11-11-20

Originally Posted by TheMeteor

It looks like the COVID travel restrictions are just forcing her to tack a bit until she can travel freely again.

That is understandable, especially considering the current state of affairs in EU countries. But I bet there are still plenty of interesting places to visit in the Netherlands than racetracks that most of us have never, or will never, see. After all how many videos have you seen on YouTube of motorcycle riders touring the Netherlands? Is the country that dull?

**Elizdad** · 11-11-20

a quick google search says the netherlands is half the size of no carolina - might run out of interesting places relatively quickly -

**Elizdad** · 11-11-20

imo, she makes the places interesting -

**Rocketman800** · 11-23-20

Yes, Noraly is totally awesome, she puts together a very interesting video, I have watched most of her travels , she is always happy, very informative, doesn't mind laughing at herself.
Recommend you watch and Subscribe.

**Royce** · 11-24-20

Have any of you noticed, in her videos, how she introduces herself to the folks she meets around the world? Sometimes she says she is from Holland, and sometimes she says The Netherlands. Ever wonder, like me, why the difference?

**Richard230** · 11-24-20

Poor Noraly seems to be struggling to find content for her channel that doesn't include riding into faraway countries and seeing interesting things now that she is marooned in the Netherlands (or is is Holland?). Her latest video shows her test riding three Ducati motorcycles picked up at a local Ducati dealership. While she make the experience interesting in her usual way, unfortunately reviewing Ducati motorcycles is not exactly something up her usual adventurous video alley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoaYsdPtJYA

**Daboo** · 11-24-20

Originally Posted by Royce

Have any of you noticed, in her videos, how she introduces herself to the folks she meets around the world? Sometimes she says she is from Holland, and sometimes she says The Netherlands. Ever wonder, like me, why the difference?

Holland is actually only two of the 12 provinces that make up the Netherlands. Maybe she varies it based on whether the person she's talking to knows what the difference is?

Chris

**Daboo** · 11-24-20

Originally Posted by Richard230

Poor Noraly seems to be struggling to find content for her channel that doesn't include riding into faraway countries and seeing interesting things now that she is marooned in the Netherlands (or is is Holland?). Her latest video shows her test riding three Ducati motorcycles picked up at a local Ducati dealership. While she make the experience interesting in her usual way, unfortunately reviewing Ducati motorcycles is not exactly something up her usual adventurous video alley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoaYsdPtJYA

I decided to click on the review and let it play out without the sound. I'm not interested in those Ducati reviews, but letting her video run in the background does help support her.

Chris

**FrankV** · 11-24-20

Originally Posted by Daboo

Holland is actually only two of the 12 provinces that make up the Netherlands. Maybe she varies it based on whether the person she's talking to knows what the difference is?

Chris

Being a Dutch guy, I can help you out. "The Netherlands" is the official name for our little country. The full name is even "Kingdom of the Netherlands". Though "Holland" is a part of The Netherlands (in fact 2 provinces: Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland), this name is also used regularly, and in practice both names can be used. Sorry for the confusion....

**Royce** · 11-24-20

Originally Posted by FrankV

Being a Dutch guy, I can help you out. "The Netherlands" is the official name for our little country. The full name is even "Kingdom of the Netherlands". Though "Holland" is a part of The Netherlands (in fact 2 provinces: Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland), this name is also used regularly, and in practice both names can be used. Sorry for the confusion....

Thank you Frank (and also to Daboo) for the explanation. It does explain the issue nicely. Although I have lived in Europe and traveled in the Netherlands a little, I never picked up on the name thing. Again, thank you.

**kickstandsup** · 11-28-20

Got my Itchy Boots neck tubes a few days ago! Functional kit that helps her out a bit...

**Sundog52** · 11-28-20

Originally Posted by kickstandsup

Got my Itchy Boots neck tubes a few days ago! Functional kit that helps her out a bit...

Where did you get it? Doesn't seem to be noted on her gear page.....https://www.itchyboots.com/bikers-gu...boots-season-3

**kickstandsup** · 11-28-20

On her web store, but like the first batch, they sold out very quickly. Gone now...

**kickstandsup** · 11-28-20

Her web store: https://itchyboots.store

**Daboo** · 11-28-20

Originally Posted by kickstandsup

Got my Itchy Boots neck tubes a few days ago! Functional kit that helps her out a bit...

Went riding with James (jtvisions) today...and he gave me one! Fits great.

But it doesn't make me look any better.

Chris

**scf** · 11-29-20

I must admit I just discovered this thread.
I thought it was about Athlete’s Foot and never looked at it.

**Royce** · 11-29-20

Originally Posted by scf

I must admit I just discovered this thread.
I thought it was about Athlete’s Foot and never looked at it.

Actually, you're in luck. Now the entire video series is available to you and it is really well-done and interesting--if you watch from the very beginning. Since the pandemic struck, Noraly has been stranded at home (The Netherlands) and her stuff since then is pretty blah. One day soon I will binge-watch the entire series for the second time.

**Lag** · 11-29-20

Originally Posted by Royce

Actually, you're in luck. Now the entire video series is available to you and it is really well-done and interesting--if you watch from the very beginning. Since the pandemic struck, Noraly has been stranded at home (The Netherlands) and her stuff since then is pretty blah. One day soon I will binge-watch the entire series for the second time.

Gotta say, that South American excursion was abought as dramatic and exciting as anything I've seen,,. The Bolivia roads, Argentina & Chilean Andes crossing and the escape from Peru,,. Very exciting and could easily be a book some day,,. Also Iran, South central Asia vids from the previous series,,!!

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