Paul Patranella and Bill Allen of Bryan are long-time friends who like motorcycles and food. That might sound like people you know, except the people you know probably aren't going to star in their own national TV show.

Paul and Bill are the new faces of The History Channel show "Hairy Bikers", which premieres this week.

"We just have this awesome opportunity to travel the country with my partner," Allen said Saturday after he and Patranella did a stage show at the Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival in Downtown Bryan. "We just go ride and discover everything local. That's what the whole thing is about, getting down to the bottom of it."

"Yeah, and then we get there and we cook something local with our little twist," Patranella added.

This American version of a British television concept hits the airwaves in its regular time slot Friday at 9:00 p.m. A sneak peak airs Monday at 10:00 p.m.

Patranella, a chef who has worked for high-ranking dignitaries like former President George W. Bush, and Allen, a motorcycle shop owner, traveled up and down America's roads, logging 8,000 miles while shooting episodes for the show.

What do they hope viewers will see?

"A couple of fun-loving guys meeting people, having a good time and eating," Patranella said.

"If you've got a friend that one of these days, you want to go hit the road and go explore things, we got the opportunity to do it," Allen added.