Ertel Winery Trip

On Sunday, August 11, a group of Corvette Indy members headed to Ertel Winery located Southeast of Batesville IN. Starting out at Bill & Erika's there were 5 Corvettes including hosts Bill & Erika, Greg & Donna, Dick & Bonnie, John & Marge, and Jack. Leaving at the appointed time of 11:30 the group headed to 146 street where just after Cary Road they picked up three more Corvettes with Wylie & Rita, Jim & Pam, and Bob & Barb joining in. Continuing along 146 st. to exit 210 of I69 another Corvette with Susie & Terry joined in. From there they headed to Pendleton and SR 38, where Bonnie H join the group. Heading out of town on SR38 we got to sample the new roundabout and then headed on to and south on SR 109. Just before crossing I70 they pulled in to what is now the Speedway Truck Stop -- Not the Gas America (Marathon / Speedway recently purchased the Gas America franchise) as in the instructions. The group took a much needed rest stop, including some purchasing 'roller dogs' so they could make the rest of the trip without hunger! We were looking for the final member, Greg T, and finally called him. He had gotten past Exit 115 as he was looking for the Gas America station and not exit markers. He quickly came back and once there got in line for the trip to Batesville. Continuing down 109, then left on 40 and right on 3 we headed through Rushville and the 52 detour to SR 229. Bob and Bill were patiently awaiting getting on this road as it has many Corvette curves. Unfortunately the group caught a very slow local, so the road became a slow parade until we got to Batesville. Once in Batesville we were only 10 minutes from the winery and were happy to get there. Total driving time was a bit over 2 1/2 hours at a 113 miles distance. Once inside many headed to the wine tasting bar to sample the many different choices. Then they headed to the tables for a great lunch and much discussion. Once done, and a few bottles of wine purchased. the group headed home. Most headed back the quick way of I74, but the four Corvettes of Bill & Erika, Terry & Susie (with Terry getting a chance to drive), Jim & Pam, and Bonnie headed back North on 229, then on to 121, 1, and then 38 until back into Pendleton where the group split up and headed for their house. Along the way Bill had asked Susie how her gas situation was, and was reported back that she was below an 1/8. By then we had passed Shell stations back on 229, so we stopped at a Marathon on 129, (Greg she did say she wanted Shell, so she is well trained!). It was also a good break for the other drivers. The day could not have been better, great top down driving for the convertibles and everyone agreed that the roads were good (no chip n seal on any of the routes) and a great group of members made the trip.