Chasing Al Roker. Al Roker is in Bozeman and I’m hot on his trail…

So, I’m outside the Bozeman library doing some work when all of a sudden this gentleman jogged passed me…I saw him out of my peripheral vision and knew right away who it was as I often watch him on T.V. in the mornings. I thought for a minute as to what I should do and then I decided…I’m going to chase this guy until he stops, then I will tell him my story and see if he’d be willing to help out.

This gentleman was not jogging very fast and I’m a fast walker, so I just tried to keep up…unfortunately I was lugging my 20lb briefcase.  I decided to capture a bit of video along the way as you will see below, however as I did so, I started to lose some ground.  I started running again to close the gap. I wanted to be respectful and wait until he stopped before approaching, but this guy just kept running and running.

Now I’m at least a mile into this endeavor, but I’m committed, this could be my big break and I need to take the chance.

I’m guessing I’m 2+ miles into this thing and I’m calling friends to ask what I should do.

3 miles in, I see this young woman on a bike…I fill her in on the situation and get her to empathize…she rides up to the jogger and asks him, “Are you Al Roker?” She flashes the sign and then rides back over to me.  I confirm with her that in fact it is Al Roker.  Al is now out of sight and has witnessed me following him…I don’t want him to think I’m a stalker, so I ask the young lady, “If I pay you $20 will you go back and give him my card?” She declined as she was 5-mo pregnant and just needed to get home (BTW Winter, I really appreciate what you did do).a

I thanked her and took off after Al.  To my delight Al began coming right toward me.  I politely introduced myself while jogging along side him. I shared my story and told him I thought it would be compelling for NBC.  He graciously asked for my card…and on he went…

As I chased Al Roker I was completely unaware of my surroundings—I was now lost.  I was however, able to pick the trail again…funny enough, I ran into Al again.  I asked him (while camera was running) if he would mind saying something like “I’m Al Roker on the road with Mike’s Road Trip.” He declined, saying he’d rather not. Therefore, as a courtesy I will not show the last encounter. I don’t blame him; he must have run 7-10 miles and was just a bit disheveled. I’m really impressed with Al, he has really slimmed down and 7-10 miles is no easy jog. The weather however was just perfect in Bozeman…how apropos. 🙂

So, we’ll just have to wait and see what Al does with my card. 🙂

If you didn’t find this post funny, well, at least I amused myself.  LOL!  If you don’t believe it was Al Roker, read the story in the local newspaper.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
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19 Comments

  1. Mike called me during this “stalking” incident, and I have to say he is a dedicated marketer, to attempt this shameless self promotion! I called him the “accidental stalker”.

  2. But what good fortune to run into someone like Al Roker who can really help get a following behind him. How cool would it be to see Mike on the Today show?

  3. I like your excuse – briefcase slows you down. Face it Mike, Al is just faster.

  4. Oh, and Al Roker should credit Mike’s Road Trip for educating me about exactly who Al Roker is–besides being someone in clearly better shape than you. Thanks for the invaluable knowledge.

  5. Nice, Mike! If I were being chased by a guy with a briefcase, I probably would have run faster, too. You could always try starting a Facebook petition to get you on the Today show. It worked to get Betty White a hosting gig on SNL. And you’ve got nothing to lose. 🙂 Good luck!

  6. Mike, that was really funny. It would be really cool if he got you on the Today Show just to show people what good shape he’s in. People will find it impressive to see your dedication to your cause. Keep it up, I look for you everyday now.

  7. I’m sure Al loved being chased while on vacation. I mean, what celebrity wouldn’t get tired of endless approaches? Bozeman has it’s share of well-knowns, Mike, but I tend to think that they come to Montana to avoid exactly this sort of thing.

    1. Hey Philip, thanks for the comment. First, Al was not on vacation. Two, what can I say…I saw an opportunity and took it. I did not “chase” Al because of his celebrity (I could care less), I chased him because he works for NBC and has his own production company. Desperate people do desperate things. 🙂 Thanks for following. Cheers!

  8. I hear you… I just can’t help wondering what would go through MY head if some dude with luggage kept following me. Guess we’d see just how quickly I could jog. 🙂

  9. LOL, I agree. Funny things is…he emailed me the next morning and told me it was a “pleasure meeting me,” how funny is that? He said he’s on a charity thing this week, but would get back with me next week. So, the saga continues… 🙂 Cheers!

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