Patrick Van Tyle: MMA Treasurer

My first experience on two wheels was scary for my mother and exciting for me. I was still in diapers and my father decided I needed a ride on a scooter. Standing between his legs barely looking over the handlebars we “screamed” down the road at the blazing speed of 42 mph.  My mother, standing at our front doorway screaming at my father, was not pleased.

Several years later I was given a 50cc Suzuki three speed and the rest, as they say, is history. My first street bike was a Honda V65 Magna; I then graduated to HD Shovelhead Low Rider and currently ride HD FLHTCU.

I have been discriminated against a number of times when on my bike.  I was denied entry into a restaurant by an owner in the Midwest and was lied to by Liberty Mutual Insurance.  Perhaps the worst and best example was job hunting.  I went to apply for a part time job and was on my bike.  I waited in line for a few minutes with everyone else. 

A few minutes went by and the person in charge walked up to me and said, “There is no job here for you.”  He wouldn’t even give me an application.  A few days later I went back “dressed” for the part and the same guy handed me an application.  I filled it out and – you guessed it – was interviewed on the spot.  When this same person offered me the job I asked to see my application for a second.  When he handed it to me I tore it in half and explained I was the same biker who was there two days ago that he spit on.
Since joining the MMA, I have served in various positions, including Area Rep, Norfolk County Rep, and Treasurer twice.  I tried to get away and they keep pulling me back in. J The most rewarding part of being involved with the MMA is working with so many hard-working and dedicated people.  It is the absolute best feeling a person can have. I think the most difficult part about being involved with the MMA is overcoming misconceptions in the public domain.  There are so many incorrect stereotypes people use to label others.  Perhaps the most difficult thing is finding enough time to do it all. However, above all I value the MMA members and the friendships.  We care the most, we give the most, and we share the most of any segment in society.

So what would I like to see for the future of the MMA? Naturally, I would like to see our helmet legislation passed, but I would also like to see our membership grow to over sixty thousand, as it should be!

contact me.