When one thinks of bikers one tends to think of big, hairy men covered in tattoos and equally big, hairy and tattooed women.
Seldom does one think of bikers having a softer side.
Rescue Ink? is a group of bikers that embodies the stereotype.
They are huge, they've grown up hard, they're heavily tattooed and if you saw them coming your way you'd probably say a quick prayer and cross the road.
But they also have a soft side; they're passionate about the welfare of animals and, according to their website, "have zero tolerance for animal abuse".
Just because they have a soft side though, doesn't mean you should consider them pushovers.
While they don't resort to violence, as this would be against the law and completely against the spirit of what they do, they make full use of their menacing presence and don't mince words when faced with animal abusers (or losers, as they call them).
As well as rescuing abused, abandoned and neglected animals, Rescue Ink? dedicates a significant portion of their time to educating adults and children about proper and responsible animal care.
They also rehabilitate the animals they rescue and find them loving homes, which are carefully vetted and subject to the occasional inspection.
Furthermore, they run a number of programmes, including a volunteer programme in which volunteers help out with admin, animal care, and foster care, etc.
; humane education, which focuses on teaching children to be compassionate and respectful of animals; domestic abuse, which is closely correlated to animal abuse; and an adoption programme.
Visit their website to find out more about Rescue Ink? or tune in to National Geographic to catch their TV show.
Once a year in South Africa, bikers shed their hard core image in what is considered by many to the biggest motorcycle charity event in the world: Toy Run?.
Since 1982, towards the end of the November, bikers have donned their helmets, started their engines and fastened teddy bears to the front of their bikes before riding through the streets of Joburg and Cape Town.
Last year around 70 000 bikers took part in the Toy Run? and even more are expected this year.
The aim of the event is to collect toys for destitute and disadvantaged children, from infants to eighteen-year-olds, around South Africa.
Traditionally, toys have been soft and cuddly, which is why the logo is a teddy bear on a motorbike, but this year event organisers would like to change the focus somewhat to include educational toys.
The 2010 run will take place on 28 November.
In Joburg, cars and bicycles will also be given the opportunity to take part and in Cape Town those attending the event stand a chance to win a motorbike worth R89 500.
There are six starting points in and around Joburg: Centurion Lifestyle Centre, Steeledale, Carnival City, Greenstone Mall, Brightwater Commons, and Westgate.
In Cape Town the starting points are at Ratanga Junction and Ottery Hypermarket.
Visit the Toy Run? website for more information.
These bikers, and countless other around the world show that while they may still play up to the stereotype, they're not averse to a little softness.