Meet the face behind CvA travel: I’m Claudia van Aken – founder, owner, and the soul behind this travel company.
By now, the name probably makes sense. And that little word “travel”? It speaks to my adventurous spirit – and a deep desire to explore the world, one journey at a time. The seed was planted some years ago.
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It all began with Kilimanjaro – gruelling, humbling, unforgettable. Later came Mont Blanc, where I stood knee-deep in snow, wrapped against the cold, heart racing with the thrill of the climb. It was tough. But I knew – deep down – that I wanted more. From shivering through a snowstorm on Aconcagua to road cycling across continents, adventure became a way of life.
I first took to road cycling close to home, then gradually ventured further afield. But it was in France, on Alpe d’Huez, that something shifted. As much as I longed to keep up with the group, my body didn’t always cooperate. My adventurous spirit was strong – but my energy often fell short. It felt like a struggle. A quiet, unspoken one.
Once again, I found myself travelling with a company bound to a rigid schedule. And all I wanted was the freedom to adjust the pace – to embrace the journey, on my terms. That’s when my conviction grew: adventurous travel should be possible for everyone – for anyone ready to stretch beyond their limits, physically or mentally.
At the time, I had a regular job. And I kept asking myself: “Am I truly happy doing this?” The answer was clear: no, I’m not. The seed began to grow. And one day, I took a leap. I quit. And decided to build something I believed in. Something with passion. Something with travel. Something with adventure.
And so, CvA travel was born – not yet fully defined, but with a clear heart.
Today, I look back in awe at all that’s happened: the website is live, journeys are taking shape, the first bookings are in, and there’s so much more ahead. Best of all? I’m happy. And our goal now is to make sure you are too.
CvA travel is not your average travel company. We believe in the power of adventurous journeys – the kind that stay with you, long after the road ends. We create cycling holidays for all kinds of riders – from seasoned explorers to those just finding their rhythm. Because we believe that discovering the world by bike should be possible for everyone – no matter your pace.
Are you coming with us?
CvA travel is not your typical travel company – we do things differently. And how we do that, together with you, lies in our values, our mission, and our passion for creating journeys that leave a lasting impression.
CvA travel isn’t like other travel companies – we do things differently. Our mission is to create journeys you’ll carry with you – for life. Does that speak to your adventurous spirit? We’d love to hear from you.
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A journey is only as memorable as the people you meet along the way. At CvA travel, we work closely with a dedicated local team of guides, drivers and mechanics – people who bring every journey to life with knowledge, warmth, humour and heart. Uganda is where our roots lie – both literally and figuratively. Our base in Kampala is the beating heart of our operations across Uganda and Rwanda. It’s here that our fleet of (e-)mountain bikes is stored, serviced and prepared – and from where every adventure begins. Everything is carefully arranged, locally grounded and delivered with a personal touch.
Get to know the people who make it all happen: the trusted faces behind your ride.
Lawrence is more than our lead guide – he’s the heart of our guiding team. He knows every trail, every turn and every climb across the landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda. With years of experience as a mountain bike guide, he crafts routes that match each rider’s level, pace and spirit of adventure – whether you’re a first-time cyclist or a seasoned explorer. Lawrence completed his advanced mechanics training in the Netherlands and has since passed that expertise on to the full team. Thanks to his guidance, most bike issues can be resolved on the spot – so you can keep riding, worry-free.
What makes Lawrence truly special? His boundless energy, quick wit, and the kind of smile that makes every climb feel easier.
Robert is our transport coordinator and lead driver – calm, precise and always cheerful. He takes care of the logistics, keeps our vehicles in top shape, and knows Uganda’s roads like the back of his hand. But Robert’s impact goes beyond the wheel – he also trains and mentors the other drivers on our team, passing on the attention to detail and service mindset that defines CvA travel. With Robert at the helm, you’ll always feel in safe, capable hands.
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