YOU heard the amazing engine rumble several minutes before you saw them.

The deep throbbing of the huge machines was audible nearly a quarter of a mile away and they weren't even moving.

Some 400 Harley Davidson motorbikes were on the move through the New Forest at the weekend. The local branch of the Harley Owners Group were gathering at Sandy Balls holiday park near Fordingbridge and staged a run to Bournemouth.

For the enthusiasts, it was a chance for one last opportunity to catch up with friends before many of the huge machines are stored away for the winter.

Bill Field, 50, a mechanic of Boarhunt near Fareham, explained the attractions of the machines which cost new anywhere between £15-30,000.

"Every bike is an individual. When you buy them they are the same but within a year none are the same. They are customised and unique," said Bill standing by his 1,400cc "Night Train" that eschews chrome for lots of matt black.

For many, it is the mystique of the American bikes that encapsulates images of the open freeway across the desert - Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones or Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider.

For Bill and his wife Judy, 46, a manager at an industrial air conditioning company, the attraction is more about people.

Judy said: "Almost every weekend we go to rallies and meet up with friends. Harleys are perfect for touring and holidays."

Scores of locals lined the entrance to see the motorcade escorted by police on to the open road. Proceeds will go to charity to help people with muscular distrophy.