From Heartbreak to Happy Trails

Sometimes a product becomes much more than the item it was designed to be. For Bill “BillyGoat” LeGall of the Lansdale area in Pennsylvania, the BuddyRider® became part of a much larger story—one filled with companionship, memories, loss, laughter, and the happiness that comes from sharing the road with a beloved dog.

Bill’s story with BuddyRider® began in 2023. He wanted a better way to take his little “fur angel,” Billy-the-Kid, along whenever he went for a bike ride. Before discovering BuddyRider®, Bill had to carry Billy in his arms. That understandably made longer rides difficult and kept their adventures to around a mile. They were ready for something that would let them go much farther.

Bill also grew up around bicycles. His father owned a bike shop during the 1960s and 1970s, so Bill developed an appreciation for good craftsmanship and quality equipment. He was searching for something that looked good, performed well, and could stand up to regular use. When he discovered BuddyRider®, he felt he had found exactly what he had been looking for—the right setup for his four-legged riding companion.

Billy-the-Kid: An Original

Billy-the-Kid quickly became comfortable riding in the BuddyRider®. Before long, the two had created plenty of memorable moments together. One of their most unforgettable outings took place at the Trexlertown Antique Bike Meet.

Bill’s late wife, Loretta, had chosen a hilarious pizza-slice Halloween costume for Billy. The resulting scene was hard to beat: Bill cruising along on his 1954 Schwinn Green Phantom while Billy-the-Kid sat proudly up front dressed like a tiny pizza-delivery dog.

The response from the crowd was immediate. People pointed, laughed, smiled, and stopped to take pictures. Bill and Loretta happily played along, joking that they were accepting orders as a traveling pizza-delivery service. It was funny, spontaneous, and exactly the kind of moment that becomes a favorite memory.

In their retro room, the bicycle directly behind Loretta is her 1954 Schwinn Panther, which Billy-the-Kid rode on. The other bicycle is a 1995 100th Anniversary Reproduction Schwinn Black Phantom.

At that time, Bill had already spent 30 years hoping to find an all-original Green Phantom. It would take more than three additional years before the right bicycle finally came to him in 2019 through one of his customers.

Finding one is extremely difficult. Even more remarkable, this particular bicycle is a 1954 Green Phantom—the only model year that came standard with every factory-equipped option. Bill still says he is amazed that such a rare bicycle eventually found its way to him.

Then life took a heartbreaking turn. Bill lost Loretta in August 2024 after 18,000 wonderful days together. In May 2026, he experienced another painful loss when Billy-the-Kid passed away.

That was an enormous amount of grief to carry. Yet sometimes, just when life feels empty, an unexpected new friendship can bring a little light back into the picture. Only a few weeks later, another four-legged character arrived.

Meet Apollo

Apollo entered Bill’s life in late May 2026, when Bill adopted the 16-month-old Morkie—a Maltese/Yorkie mix—from a shelter.

The name Apollo seemed fitting because of his incredible “zoomies.” Bill says the little dog certainly lives up to his name, racing around with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm.

Apollo also took to the BuddyRider® almost immediately. He appeared comfortable and secure from the very beginning. During their first hour-long ride together, Apollo relaxed so completely that he actually fell asleep three times.

By the following day, Bill and Apollo were already recording their adventures. To Bill, Apollo’s easy transition into the carrier demonstrated exactly what he appreciates about the design: “Both Billy & Apollo would hop into the carrier with no fear whatsoever on their part and complete ease and security on mine.”

More Than a Bicycle Ride

For Bill, riding with Apollo is about much more than simply getting somewhere. It is about spending time together and enjoying the connection they share.

Today, Bill can ride for hours with Apollo and explore places they could not comfortably reach before. One of his favorite things is being able to reach forward while riding and give Apollo a little kiss on the head.

Apollo, naturally, adds plenty of personality to every outing. He loves watching the world go by and, according to Bill, probably keeps track of everyone who happens to notice him. And plenty of people do. Many of those they pass seem to wish they could trade places with Apollo and enjoy the ride from the front seat.

He is playful, expressive, and full of character—a tiny ambassador for happiness who seems to make friends wherever he goes.

The Adventure Continues

Bill will celebrate his 80th birthday in January 2027, but he has no plans to slow down. When the weather cooperates, he gets outside and rides, crediting his active lifestyle and a healthy dose of good karma for helping him keep moving.

Bill has always believed in maintaining his enthusiasm, finding humor in everyday life, and staying grateful for the good things around him.

Apollo has become an important part of that outlook. After experiencing such significant losses, their rides give Bill something positive to look forward to. Each outing creates another opportunity to enjoy the present, explore together, and build new memories.

Billy-the-Kid and Loretta will always hold a special place in Bill’s heart. Their memories remain part of every mile. At the same time, Apollo has brought a fresh sense of fun to the road ahead, along with plenty of laughter, affection, and, of course, zoomies.

What began as Bill’s search for a better way to take his dog biking eventually became something much more meaningful—a way to share adventures, celebrate companionship, and continue enjoying life.

Bill’s final verdict? “BuddyRider® is the only seat that's BillyGoat Approved!”

Bill aka BillyGoat, we celebrate your adventurous spirit and your optimistic attitude of gratitude! Here’s to many more miles, smiles, and memorable adventures with the big-hearted Apollo. Let’s Go!

Billy’s friends wanted to share a few words....

Joseph DeBlase (Grammar School Friend): Joseph says Bill’s caring nature and endless sense of humor have been with him since they were kids. He has seen firsthand how the BuddyRider gave Bill, Billy-the-Kid, and Apollo the ability to explore the neighborhood together. He also saw how those rides gave Bill comfort and happiness as he worked through the loss of Loretta.

Lee Robertson (25-Year Friend): Lee describes Loretta as a “once in a lifetime soul” and understands how deeply Bill has felt her absence. He says Apollo became a “ray of sunshine” during a very difficult period, bringing warmth, laughter, and renewed happiness into Bill’s life. According to Lee, Apollo was truly “Heaven sent.”