Adventure Rider Radio Podcast

Noraly Schoenmaker was living a comfortable life in the Netherlands, building a career as a geologist, when her world was suddenly turned upside down. For some, heartbreak might mean retreating inward, but Noraly chose something radically different. She walked away from the life she knew, packed up what she could, and set off to explore the world on a motorcycle. It wasn’t a wild whim — her work had already taken her to far-flung places like Panama and Indonesia, exploring gold mines and studying sand. But this time, it was her journey. Over 20,000 miles later, through countries like Iraq, Iran, and India, she found freedom, connection, and perspective — one road, one meal, one encounter at a time.

Noraly Schoenmaker is the creator of the hugely popular Itchy Boots YouTube channel. What began as a solo motorcycle trip has evolved into a global journey, with Noraly riding through remote regions, wild landscapes, and across entire continents — from South America to North America, and from Europe to Africa. Her background in biology and geology adds a thoughtful layer to her travels, and when she’s not riding, she calls the Netherlands home. Noraly is also the author of FREE RIDE.

🔗 Show Notes & Links:
Find photos, links, and resources related to this episode on our website at Adventure Rider Radio.

🎧 Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode:
We release new episodes of ARR every week on Thursday and of RAW on the 21st of every month—full of inspiring stories, expert advice, and insight from the world of adventure motorcycling. Hit subscribe so you never miss out!

💡 Got an Idea?
Have a guest suggestion or topic you’d love us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email through our website.

⭐️ Leave a Review:
Enjoying the show? A 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping others discover the show.

📱 Follow Us:
Join our growing community on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s stay connected!

🙌 Support the Show:
Love what we do? Help keep the adventure alive by supporting us. Your contribution allows us to keep bringing you great content week after week.

📤 Share the Show:
Know someone who would enjoy this episode? Share it with them! Word of mouth helps us grow and reach more riders around the world.

📬 Join Our Newsletter:
Be the first to hear about new episodes, bonus content, and more! Sign up for our newsletter at Adventure Rider Radio.

🙏 Thanks for Listening!
We truly appreciate you being part of our adventure community. Until next time—ride safe and keep exploring!

When Bernd and Anchen Sass’s children moved abroad, the couple decided it was time to start living the dream they had discussed for decades. In their mid-50s, they left behind stable careers and set off on motorcycles—despite Anchen having no riding experience and deep fears about learning. Over several seasons of travel, they’ve crossed tens of thousands of kilometres through Africa and Europe, adapting their gear, pace, and mindset along the way. In this episode, they share what it’s truly like to make that kind of transition later in life, how they handle setbacks, and why travel, especially by motorcycle, has helped them rediscover a sense of purpose.

🔗 Show Notes & Links:
Find photos, links, and resources related to this episode on our website at Adventure Rider Radio.

🎧 Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode:
We release new episodes of ARR every week on Thursday and of RAW on the 21st of every month—full of inspiring stories, expert advice, and insight from the world of adventure motorcycling. Hit subscribe so you never miss out!

💡 Got an Idea?
Have a guest suggestion or topic you’d love us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email through our website.

⭐️ Leave a Review:
Enjoying the show? A 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping others discover the show.

📱 Follow Us:
Join our growing community on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s stay connected!

🙌 Support the Show:
Love what we do? Help keep the adventure alive by supporting us. Your contribution allows us to keep bringing you great content week after week.

📤 Share the Show:
Know someone who would enjoy this episode? Share it with them! Word of mouth helps us grow and reach more riders around the world.

📬 Join Our Newsletter:
Be the first to hear about new episodes, bonus content, and more! Sign up for our newsletter at Adventure Rider Radio.

🙏 Thanks for Listening!
We truly appreciate you being part of our adventure community. Until next time—ride safe and keep exploring!

It’s been 20 years since Long Way Round changed the face of motorcycle travel—and inspired a generation to dream bigger. That original journey, sparked by a simple idea, captured lightning in a bottle with its raw spirit, sweeping landscapes, and the magic of two friends chasing the horizon on massive BMWs. Then came Long Way Down and Long Way Up. In their latest series, Long Way Home, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman trade the extremes for something refreshingly real—a ride from Scotland to England via the long way around. On vintage bikes, they wind their way through more than 15 countries, rediscovering the pure joy of the open road. It’s not just a ride—it’s the kind of ride we all dream of, and it certainly looks like Long Way Home will inspire the next wave of riders, just as Long Way Round once did.

🔗 Show Notes & Links:
Find photos, links, and resources related to this episode on our website at Adventure Rider Radio.

🎧 Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode:
We release new episodes of ARR every week on Thursday and of RAW on the 21st of every month—full of inspiring stories, expert advice, and insight from the world of adventure motorcycling. Hit subscribe so you never miss out!

💡 Got an Idea?
Have a guest suggestion or topic you’d love us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email through our website.

⭐️ Leave a Review:
Enjoying the show? A 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping others discover the show.

📱 Follow Us:
Join our growing community on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s stay connected!

🙌 Support the Show:
Love what we do? Help keep the adventure alive by supporting us. Your contribution allows us to keep bringing you great content week after week.

📤 Share the Show:
Know someone who would enjoy this episode? Share it with them! Word of mouth helps us grow and reach more riders around the world.

📬 Join Our Newsletter:
Be the first to hear about new episodes, bonus content, and more! Sign up for our newsletter at Adventure Rider Radio.

🙏 Thanks for Listening!
We truly appreciate you being part of our adventure community. Until next time—ride safe and keep exploring!

Steve Zuschin first discovered Rally for Rangers at an ADV event, was drawn in by the mission, and unexpectedly found himself on a plane to Bhutan within weeks. He recounts the challenges of that first rally—from navigating muddy mountain roads in the Himalayas on Royal Enfields to racing tight schedules. It was an unforgettable introduction to a cause that left a lasting impression.

🔗 Show Notes & Links:
Find photos, links, and resources related to this episode on our website at Adventure Rider Radio.

🎧 Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode:
We release new episodes of ARR every week on Thursday and of RAW on the 21st of every month—full of inspiring stories, expert advice, and insight from the world of adventure motorcycling. Hit subscribe so you never miss out!

💡 Got an Idea?
Have a guest suggestion or topic you’d love us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email through our website.

⭐️ Leave a Review:
Enjoying the show? A 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping others discover the show.

📱 Follow Us:
Join our growing community on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s stay connected!

🙌 Support the Show:
Love what we do? Help keep the adventure alive by supporting us. Your contribution allows us to keep bringing you great content week after week.

📤 Share the Show:
Know someone who would enjoy this episode? Share it with them! Word of mouth helps us grow and reach more riders around the world.

📬 Join Our Newsletter:
Be the first to hear about new episodes, bonus content, and more! Sign up for our newsletter at Adventure Rider Radio.

🙏 Thanks for Listening!
We truly appreciate you being part of our adventure community. Until next time—ride safe and keep exploring!

Jess and Greg Stone set out to ride around the world in 18 months. They aimed to prove that their dog gear could withstand the wear and tear of daily use while riding both on and off the road, and to raise $100,000 for a non-profit, Girl Up. Three years later, after facing injury, loss, and thousands of kilometers throughout the Americas, they’ve realized that their journey has become much more than a motorcycle trip. In this episode, they reflect on how slowing down, exploring, and sharing the road with their dog Whimsy has reshaped their route and lives.

🔗 Show Notes & Links:
Find photos, links, and resources related to this episode on our website at Adventure Rider Radio.

🎧 Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode:
We release new episodes of ARR every week on Thursday and of RAW on the 21st of every month—full of inspiring stories, expert advice, and insight from the world of adventure motorcycling. Hit subscribe so you never miss out!

💡 Got an Idea?
Have a guest suggestion or topic you’d love us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email through our website.

⭐️ Leave a Review:
Enjoying the show? A 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app goes a long way in helping others discover the show.

📱 Follow Us:
Join our growing community on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s stay connected!

🙌 Support the Show:
Love what we do? Help keep the adventure alive by supporting us. Your contribution allows us to keep bringing you great content week after week.

📤 Share the Show:
Know someone who would enjoy this episode? Share it with them! Word of mouth helps us grow and reach more riders around the world.

📬 Join Our Newsletter:
Be the first to hear about new episodes, bonus content, and more! Sign up for our newsletter at Adventure Rider Radio.

🙏 Thanks for Listening!
We truly appreciate you being part of our adventure community. Until next time—ride safe and keep exploring!