Two Pups and Two Wheels
Sometimes a product is just a product, but other times, it’s the heart of a much bigger story. For Bill “BillyGoat” LeGall from Lansdale area in Pennsylvania, the BuddyRider® isn’t just a bike seat—it’s a symbol of love, loss, and the pure joy of hitting the open road with a furry best friend by your side.
Bill’s journey started back in 2023. He was looking for a better way to bring his little "fur angel," Billy-the-Kid, along for the ride. Before BuddyRider®, Bill had to hold Billy in his arms, which—as you can imagine—limited their adventures to about a mile. Not exactly the grand tour they both wanted!
Bill knows his stuff, too. His dad owned a bike shop in the '60s and '70s, so he has a sharp eye for quality gear. He wanted something stylish, aerodynamic, and tough. When he found BuddyRider®, it was love at first sight. He knew right away he'd found the ultimate design for his co-pilot.
Billy-the-Kid: An Original
It didn't take long for Billy-the-Kid to become a pro in the seat. One of their most legendary outings was at the Trexlertown Antique Bike Meet.
Bill's late wife, Loretta, had picked out a hilarious pizza-slice Halloween costume for Billy. Here's the photo of Bill cruising on his 1954 Schwinn Green Phantom with the cutest pizza-delivery dog in history riding upfront.
The crowd went wild! People were pointing, laughing, and coming over to snap photos. Bill and Loretta leaned into the fun, joking that they were open for business as a delivery service. It was one of those perfect, silly days that stays in your heart forever.
In the photo in their kitchen, directly behind Loretta is her 1954 Schwinn Panther that Billy-the-Kid rode on, and the other bike is a 1995 100th Anniversary Reproduction Schwinn Black Phantom. At that point, Bill had wanted an all-original Green Phantom for 9 years. It took 3+ years before it came to him in 2019, from one of his customers (yup, Bill is still working!). It's virtually impossible. Not only that, but it's a 1954 Green Phantom, which is the only year that came standard with every factory-equipped option. Bill is still amazed.
Life brought some tough turns recently. Bill lost Loretta in August 2024 after 18,000 wonderful days together. Then, in May 2026, his buddy Billy-the-Kid passed away, too.
It was a lot of heartbreak for one person to handle. But as they say, when one door closes, a rescue pup opens another. A few weeks later, a new character entered the scene.
Meet Apollo
In late May 2026, Bill adopted Apollo, a 16-month-old Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie mix) from a shelter. They named him Apollo because of his epic "zoomies," and Bill totally agrees—this little guy zooms through the air with the greatest of ease!
Apollo took to the BuddyRider® like a duck to water. He seemed to instantly know he was safe and secure. On their very first hour-long ride, Apollo was so relaxed he actually fell asleep three times! Talk about a chill passenger.
By day two, they were already filming their adventures. For Bill, it's the best proof of 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, these rides aren't just about getting from A to B. They're about the bond.
Now, Bill can spend hours exploring with Apollo. One of his favorite parts? Being able to reach forward and give Apollo's little head a kiss while they're pedaling along.
Apollo is a total ham, too. He loves taking in the sights and, as Bill jokes, probably checking to see who's admiring him (spoiler: everyone is). Most people they pass look like they wish they were the ones in the seat!
He's fun, animated, and basically a tiny ambassador for happiness who loves everyone he meets.
The Adventure Continues
Bill is turning 80 in January 2027, but he's not slowing down one bit. He hits the road whenever the weather is good, crediting his health to his active lifestyle and a big dose of good karma. He's all about finding the humor in life and keeping his enthusiasm high.
Apollo is the newest chapter in that journey. After a season of loss, these rides are a way to keep moving forward, making fresh memories with a new best friend.
Billy-the-Kid and Loretta will always be with him in spirit, but Apollo is here to fill the road ahead with zoomies and laughter.
What started as a search for a better bike seat turned into a way to share the open road and celebrate life.
Bill's final verdict? "BuddyRider® is the only seat that's BillyGoat Approved!"
Bill aka BillyGoat, we celebrate your adventurous and optimistic attitude of gratitude! Here's to many more miles, smiles, and adventures with the big-hearted Apollo. Let's Go!
What Billy's Friends Are Saying
Joseph DeBlase (Grammar School Friend): Joseph says Bill's soft heart and endless jokes haven't changed since they were kids. He's seen how the BuddyRider® gave Bill, Billy-the-Kid, and Apollo the freedom to explore the neighborhood and brought Bill a lot of comfort and joy while navigating the loss of Loretta.
Lee Robertson (25-Year Friend): Lee describes Loretta as a "once in a lifetime soul" and knows how much Bill has missed her. He calls Apollo a "ray of sunshine" that broke through the heartbreak, bringing back the warmth and smiles that Bill truly deserves. According to Lee, Apollo is definitely "Heaven sent."