High winds and water logged roads forced a 250-strong motorbike convoy making its way to Sheringham on Saturday to change route, leaving disappointed sightseers lining the pavements at Blakeney, Cley and Wells.

Eastern Daily Press: A Harley owner snapping a 'selfie' during Saturday's motorcyle rally : KAREN BETHELLA Harley owner snapping a 'selfie' during Saturday's motorcyle rally : KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Motorcycles taking part in the annual Harley Davidson 'invasion' were down by about half, according to road captain Neil Sturman, with many riders making their way home early after being flooded out while camping overnight at Fakenham.

'We normally have about five or six hundred, but, safety-wise, it was just not possible to take the usual route,' Mr Sturman, of the Fenlanders Chapter of the Harley Owners Group, said.

'We were all determined to make it to Sheringham, but, because there was so much water on the country lanes, we had to go a different way, so I would like to apologise to anyone expecting to see us along the coast road.'

More than 40 marshalls lined the route, Mr Sturman added, with the event taking months of planning and attracting riders from all over the country.

Event organiser Graham Deans, who is landlord of Sheringham's Lobster pub, said that, in spite of the weather - and the reduced number of bikes – people had turned out in force to see the annual spectacle.

However, because of safety concerns, Sheringham's carnival queen and attendants had to miss out on riding into town on the back of a Harley.

'There were 45mph winds and torrential rain, so we had to delay the start,' Mr Deans said. 'But we still had a fantastic turnout, I think people like the fact that every bike is different – they are amazing pieces of machinery and each and every one is immaculately turned out.'

The motorcycles lined up along High Street and Wyndham Street, giving local people and holidaymakers a chance to chat to owners, before setting off back to Fakenham via Holt.