AUBURN, Mass. — Dozens of motorcyclists revved their engines Sunday for a ride from central Massachusetts to the Pioneer Valley for Springfield Rescue Mission's first Ride to End Homelessness.

"I do a lot of charity rides. I just like riding," Auburn Elks Riders member Rick Ciforio said. "Like to ride for a good cause, we do a lot of that at the Elks Riders so I'd like to represent them."

"We're here today. A lot of us like myself were bible-believing Christians," Worcester H.O.G. Chapter 3811 member David Langevin said. "Sunday is usually a church day but this is church for me."

The event is a collaborative effort with Sheldon's Harley-Davidson dealership.

Several motorcycle groups, including the Worcester H.O.G. and Auburn Elks Clubs, gathered at the Auburn location before taking off with a police escort.

Springfield Rescue Mission said there is a great need in the community.

"What we're seeing is a dramatic increase in the amount of homelessness in the Springfield area," Springfield Rescue Mission executive director Kevin Ramsdell said. "[We're] seeing our pantries depleted and its not just us, but it's the other like-minded agencies that do what we do."

Riders said the trip from Auburn to Springfield is about giving back to those less fortunate.

"It means a lot. I really feel for homeless people, especially veterans," Ciforio said. "So I do what I can, with the rides and whatever I can do to support their cause."

"I see people come in that are broken. Men that are broken," Langevin said. "Been to detoxes, been to prisons, been to just bad in their lives and homeless, and just seeing people being able to turn their lives around just by encouraging."

The proceeds from the event will go toward Springfield Rescue Mission. The organization and Harley-Davidson dealership say they hope to make the ride an annual event.