Photo by Jon Rhode
Photo by Ian Rupes
Gail continues to teach track cycling Gail in motion attention and renewed interest.
In 2005, Juventus built and funded the Lori-Ann Muenzer Program( LAMP) to develop young riders aged 12 – 15. Gail has volunteered with the program for twenty years, helping coach the next generation of cyclists who have gone on to earn medals of their own in road, mountain, and track racing.
Gail is not only an accomplished rider— she’ s been a key player in bringing attention to the sport through advocacy and mentorship. In 2026, after years of lobbying and fundraising, the new indoor Alberta Velodrome was opened at the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre in Edmonton. Gail, a long-time member of the board of directors of the Argyll Velodrome Association, was a key part of the team that brought this vision to fruition. With a life that revolved around cycling, Gail has been a common sight on city roads, riding to work well before there were designated bike lanes and safety infrastructure. A 10-kilometre daily commute
became a normal routine in all kinds of weather, which meant being prepared for anything from a gentle excursion to a trek through spokes-deep snow.
As Gail puts it,“ Layer up. There’ s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes for the conditions.” This is sound advice for anyone, whether they walk, ride, or bus to the office; pack everything from extra socks to rain gear. For the winter commute, she recommends a headband specially designed to wear under the helmet, warm waterproof boots, and a pair of handlebar mitts called“ pogies.”
Whether you’ re riding for recreation or transportation, the rule remains the same: safety comes first. Cyclists don’ t have the protection of built-in airbags, so they need to protect themselves with their gear. The helmet is the top priority, followed by proper footwear. The bike needs to have optimally inflated tires with appropriate tread for the conditions, properly adjusted brakes, and a clean, well-lubricated chain. Adding a rear-view mirror and front and rear lighting is an absolute necessity at night but can also be
effective during the day. Being visible is critical to bike safety. While Gail now coaches young riders through an elite academy, she continues to work with her own trainer and mentor, Olympian and longtime track cycling guru Alex Ongaro. Alex has known Gail for thirty-five years and says what sets her apart are her teaching skills, which shine especially with the young athletes. He says they are all lucky to have had her in their lives, as has he.
Her most recent passion is gravel riding on the rural roads of Alberta. She finds a long ride with friends along a quiet road with beautiful, uninterrupted scenery is a rewarding way to spend a day.“ Cycling,” she says,“ brings me joy, a sense of well-being, and a community of people who share the same passion”.
Jane Thrall has a bike covered in dust and cobwebs, but lots of great memories from her own cycling adventures. She’ s forever grateful to be a long-time friend of the“ Wozinator”, and one of her greatest admirers.
AUTUMN 2026 | 29