Miles, Memories and a New Best Friend
A bicycle ride can be about much more than getting from one place to another. For Bill “BillyGoat” LeGall from the Lansdale area of Pennsylvania, riding with his dogs has become a meaningful part of his life—a way to create memories, share adventures, and find moments of happiness even after experiencing tremendous loss.
Bill first discovered BuddyRider® in 2023. At the time, he was searching for a practical way to bring his beloved “fur angel,” Billy-the-Kid, along for his bicycle adventures. Before that, Bill had to hold Billy in his arms while riding, which naturally limited their trips to roughly a mile. They needed a solution that would allow them to safely enjoy longer rides together.
Bicycles have always been familiar territory for Bill. His father operated a bike shop throughout the 1960s and 1970s, so Bill developed a good understanding of bicycles and an eye for quality. He wanted a carrier that was dependable but also attractive, streamlined, and built for the road. When he came across BuddyRider®, he immediately recognized the design as something that could work perfectly for his canine co-pilot.
Billy-the-Kid: A Memorable Passenger
It didn’t take Billy-the-Kid long to settle into the BuddyRider®. Soon, the two were enjoying rides that gave them plenty of stories to tell. One particularly memorable adventure took place at the Trexlertown Antique Bike Meet.
For Halloween, Bill’s late wife, Loretta, had selected a hilarious pizza-slice costume for Billy. Bill then took to the road on his 1954 Schwinn Green Phantom with Billy-the-Kid riding proudly in front, looking every bit like the world’s cutest pizza-delivery pup.
The sight attracted plenty of attention. People pointed, laughed, came over to say hello, and pulled out their cameras for photographs. Bill and Loretta embraced the fun, joking that their new bicycle business was delivering pizzas. It was one of those wonderfully silly afternoons that eventually becomes a treasured memory.
The bicycles in their retro room photograph have their own stories. The bike positioned directly behind Loretta is her 1954 Schwinn Panther, which Billy-the-Kid rode on. The other is a 1995 100th Anniversary Reproduction Schwinn Black Phantom.
Bill had spent 30 years looking for an all-original Green Phantom. His search finally paid off in 2019, when one came to him through one of his customers after more than three additional years of waiting.
The bicycle is particularly special because it is a 1954 Green Phantom. That year is unique because it was the only year the model came standard with every factory-equipped option. Considering how difficult these bicycles are to find, Bill remains amazed that one eventually became part of his collection.
Unfortunately, some of Bill’s happiest memories were followed by devastating losses. Loretta passed away in August 2024 after 18,000 wonderful days together. Then, in May 2026, Bill lost Billy-the-Kid as well.
Two major losses in such a short period left a tremendous hole in Bill’s life. But not long afterward, an unexpected new friendship arrived and brought a different kind of energy back into his world.
Apollo Arrives
In late May 2026, Bill adopted Apollo, a 16-month-old Morkie—a Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier mix—from a shelter.
Apollo’s name was inspired by his spectacular “zoomies.” Bill says the name could hardly be more appropriate because this little dog moves through life with enthusiasm and plenty of speed.
The BuddyRider® also seemed to make an immediate impression on Apollo. He appeared comfortable in the carrier from the very beginning and quickly settled into his new riding routine. During their first hour-long outing, Apollo became so relaxed that he actually fell asleep three times.
By their second day together, Bill was already recording their bicycle adventures. His experience with both dogs has given him a strong appreciation for the carrier’s design. As Bill explains, “Both Billy & Apollo would hop into the carrier with no fear whatsoever on their part and complete ease and security on mine.”
Riding for the Joy of It
For Bill, these bicycle trips are not simply transportation. They are opportunities to spend quality time with Apollo and enjoy the companionship that comes from experiencing the world together.
One of Bill’s favorite parts of riding is being able to reach forward and give Apollo a little kiss on the head while they are traveling.
Apollo also appears to enjoy being the center of attention. He watches the scenery, takes in everything happening around him, and, as Bill jokes, probably keeps checking to see who is looking his way. Judging by the reactions they receive, there are plenty of admirers.
People often smile, wave, or look as though they would happily trade places with Apollo and enjoy the front-row view.
With his animated personality and friendly nature, Apollo has become a little ambassador of happiness. He seems to enjoy meeting people and spreading his enthusiasm wherever the two of them ride.
Looking Ahead
Bill turns 80 in January 2027, but age has done little to diminish his enthusiasm for getting out on the road. Whenever conditions are favorable, he continues riding and staying active. He credits his lifestyle, good karma, and positive attitude for helping him maintain his energy.
For Bill, humor and gratitude are important parts of enjoying life. Apollo has now become a central part of that outlook.
Following the loss of Loretta and Billy-the-Kid, riding with Apollo offers Bill a chance to move forward without leaving those memories behind. Every ride gives them another story, another laugh, and another opportunity to enjoy each other’s company.
Loretta and Billy-the-Kid will always be part of Bill’s journey. Their memories remain woven into the experiences he shares on two wheels. Apollo, meanwhile, represents a new chapter—one filled with companionship, laughter, curiosity, and plenty of energetic zoomies.
What began with Bill simply wanting a safer and more comfortable way to take his dog along on bicycle rides eventually became something much more significant. It became a way to keep exploring, stay connected, and continue celebrating the good things life still has to offer.
Bill’s final assessment says it all: “BuddyRider® is the only seat that’s BillyGoat Approved!”
Bill aka BillyGoat, we celebrate your adventurous spirit and your attitude of gratitude! Here’s to many more miles, smiles, laughs, and unforgettable 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 generous heart and sense of humor have remained part of his personality since childhood. He has watched the BuddyRider give Bill, Billy-the-Kid, and Apollo the freedom to enjoy the neighborhood together. He also saw how those rides provided Bill with comfort, companionship, and moments of happiness while he was dealing with the loss of Loretta.
Lee Robertson (25-Year Friend): Lee remembers Loretta as a “once in a lifetime soul” and understands how deeply Bill has missed her. He describes Apollo as a “ray of sunshine” who arrived after a painful period and helped bring smiles and warmth back into Bill’s everyday life. To Lee, Apollo is unquestionably “Heaven sent.”