SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WENY) — On Saturday, June 28, the annual American Pride Ride sent motorcycles all around the Southern Tier for a good cause. Bikers at the event used words like camaraderie, community, and pride to describe the 29th annual event.

"It's actually a brotherhood, a camaraderie," said Smitty O'Loughlin, a former event organizer who still supports the event every year. "Where these people get together for fundraisers, that's one of the things they do, but this one is a little more emotional. It strikes everybody from children to veterans across the board."

Starting in Corning, the charity ride takes bikers all throughout the Southern Tier. It's a day that participants say brings together people from every community.

"Pretty enjoyable. A lot of camaraderie. Looking at all the different bikes and whatnot that are around," said Dave Doyle, one of the bikers. "But everybody's out here for a reason. I love riding with these guys and whatnot. So, pretty much it's a really safe ride."

Some stops along the way included the Bath VA, Arkport Cycles in Hornell, and the Schuyler County Human Services Complex in Montour Falls.

It's also a day with a purpose. Money raised from the event goes to the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children's hospitals across the country.

"They all have such big hearts. You know, a lot of people were like 'here's 20, I'm only paying for 10, keep the 10,'" said Lauren Little, the Program Director for the Children's Miracle Network at Arnot Health. "They're just a great group of people that come out and support our community because we're supporting the kids in our community."

Little has been to the ride for more than five years. She said the fundraiser is personal to her because her daughter was in the NICU when she was younger.

"I have benefited personally from the Children's Miracle Network," Little said. "My daughter is eight now and is doing wonderful."

As the ride took bikers through the hills of Steuben County and down the runway at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, the bikers said one thing brings them back year after year.

"That's an emotional question. It's because of the charities. Number one, charities. Number two, the community loves it," said O'Loughlin. "We're getting ready to celebrate, this is the 29th year of the motorcycle ride. We're getting ready to celebrate next year the 30th anniversary."

The event wrapped up with a ride down the runway at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport and a final gathering at the Arnot Mall, where the winners were chosen for the chance to ride their motorcycle around Watkins Glen International on July 5.

To finish off the night, there will be a fireworks display at the Arnot Mall starting at 9:45 P.M.