The biggest bikes Bermuda has ever seen took to the roads yesterday for a motorcycle odyssey from west to east and back again.

Thirty one custom motorbikes with engines up to 1,600cc from six US states and Canada arrived at Dockyard on the Explorer of the Seas cruise ship.

Their owners — who are enjoying a motorcycle-themed cruise from Miami along with their Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and other bikes — then spent the day cruising the Island with 60 members of Bermuda Long Riders Motorcycle Club and Association (BLRMC) on 125 and 150cc cycles. The riders were accompanied by outriders from Bermuda Police Service on 700cc Suzukis.

The visit, organised by BLRMC with the Department of Tourism, was the first time the usually-restricted engine sizes have been allowed on Bermuda.

The vehicles are more powerful than many of the cars on the Island’s roads.

Organiser Kevin Watson, former BLRMC president, said: “It’s a feather in our caps.

“It’s the prestige for the club for a group to come from the US and want to ride with the Long Riders.”

Current president Kenneth Scraders said: “I feel very good about it.

“I think it’s about time for the public to see them.”

The odyssey took in the South Shore beaches, Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, City Hall, John Smith’s Bay, St. George, Fort St. Catherine and Horseshoe Beach.