Meet Noraly Schoenmaker, a 32-year-old Dutch traveler and adventurer renowned as “Itchy Boots” among her 1.82 million YouTube subscribers. Her journey from a degree in geochemistry to an international motorcycle icon is a testament to her indomitable spirit and love for exploration. She has again made headways in Indian motorcycle space by becoming the first person to ride the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Noraly’s incredible journey began with a backpacking trip around the world, sparked by her work in gold mining in Australia. This adventure enthusiast then embarked on a five-year stint as an international contractor, which took her to various destinations, from Brazil to the Bahamas, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, and beyond. However, it was in India that Noraly’s life took a thrilling turn.
During her travels in India, she decided to rent a motorcycle, a decision that would change her life forever. Riding about 3,000 kilometers across the Himalayas on a Royal Enfield, she fell in love with motorcycle travel. This newfound passion inspired her to purchase her very own Royal Enfield Himalayan, affectionately named “Basanti.” With her trusty steed, she journeyed to Malaysia, then shipped her bike to Oman, riding through Central Asia and back to Europe.
Also read: Exclusive First look of Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, curtsey of Itchy Boots YouTube channel
Noraly’s adventures were far from over, and her next grand plan was to explore the Americas. However, there was a hitch in her plans: registering Basanti in the Netherlands proved impossible. Undaunted, she left the bike in India and acquired another Royal Enfield, naming this one “Dhanno.” She shipped Dhanno to Patagonia, where her exploration of the Americas began.
Riding Dhanno extensively, Noraly’s passion for the Royal Enfield brand gained recognition, not just in India but worldwide. Her travels, documented on her YouTube channel, made her a motorcycle sensation, and her storytelling prowess allowed viewers to experience the world through her eyes.
Great recognition from Royal Enfield
It’s this global recognition and the impact of her journeys that caught the attention of Royal Enfield. In a show of profound respect and appreciation for her contribution to the brand’s success, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer extended an invitation to Noraly “Itchy Boots” Schoenmaker. She was invited to be among the first testers of the brand-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, to ride in the Himalayas and provide valuable feedback.
The motorcycle is one of the most awaited ones in India with enthusiasts waiting in line to get a glimpse of the adv. All thanks to Itchy Boots, fans have now a good view of the motorcycle.
As Noraly embarks on this new chapter with Royal Enfield, enthusiasts, and fans eagerly await her reviews and insights into the Himalayan 450, poised to become a significant milestone in the brand’s illustrious history. Her story is a testament to the extraordinary experiences that can unfold when one combines passion, determination, and the open road.
Also read: Triumph Scrambler 400X vs Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
