by Cheryl Jerabek
Whether you’re in the mood for pizza or need your bike fixed, Flying Bear Pizza and Bike has you covered. Located at 202 E. Main St. in Naturita, the Flying Bear Pizzeria is conveniently houses the Naturita Bike Co.
Owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team Nick Badovinac and Virginia Ericson, the doors to the pizzeria and bike shop in June of 2023.
From the start, the Flying Bear Pizzeria and Naturita Bicycle Company has presented a unique blend of culinary and cycling services that cater to both the local community and visiting adventurers. Specializing in what they affectionately call “Rocky Mountain Za,” the establishment offers pizzas topped with locally sourced ingredients – a perk for flavor and freshness and for local farmers and producers. Live entertainment is often on the menu, and you can always count on a cold brew being readily available.
“We also do on and off site catering for groups of all sizes and the Bear can be rented out for private parties,” Virginia stated.
Cyclists can swing by to get their mountain bikes or E-bikes repaired or tuned up by Nick, a seasoned bike mechanic with a rich background in mountain biking management and mechanical design. Nick’s expertise, gained from his time working in Moab, UT, and at Pivot Cycles, makes him Naturita’s go-to guy for bike repairs, maintenance, and suspension setups. Bike clinics are frequently held as well.
For those planning an adventure in the area, Flying Bear is more than just a place to eat and repair bikes. It’s a local hub for trail enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of maps, guidebooks, and resources about the West End’s trails and outdoor opportunities. The “Wilderness Wall” is also a main attraction, consisting of a custom wall map and various outdoor gear essentials from famous brand names.
Virginia’s vision is to create a space that not only serves great food but also fosters community connections and maintains the cultural roots of the West End region. She brings her extensive background in hospitality and public health to the forefront of the pizzeria’s operation. Her commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the establishment, from the menu selections to the culturally respectful and sustainable practices embedded within the business operations.
The couple is very active in helping the West End and Norwood communities. From Poker Runs to Naturita’s Pack Burro race, they host, sponsor, co-sponsor and donate whenever they can.
Recently they put on a Women’s Clothing Swap in the style of a Fashion Show game. “True North had first dibs on professional attire for their student’s interviews,” Virginia explained. “The abundant amount of extra clothing was donated to Hoof and Paw Thrift Store.”
“We also collaborate quite often with the lovely ladies at the Naturita Community Library to develop events, programs and fundraisers,” she added.
Flying Bear Pizza and Bikes represents a perfect fusion of passion for great food and love for cycling, wrapped up in a commitment to community and sustainability. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Nick and Virginia welcome you to spin on in.