Van Meerbeke is described at a young athlete from the New York City area who, Karl Kron (Ten Thousand Miles on a Bicycle, 1887) believed, was born about 1865. He must have been a dedicated cyclist for, although it was not given press coverage at the time, he is thought to have made a round trip ride between New York and Denver in 1885 (Kron, xcvii). Not wishing to cover much of this route again on a transcontinental ride in 1886, he took a southern route west. He began the ride from the New York City Hall at noon on March 1 on a Columbia ordinary with the hope of reaching San Francisco in 150 days.
His ride took him through Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lynchville, Danville, Atlanta, Montgomery, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Del Rio, El Paso, Deming, Benson, Tucson, Yuma, Los Angeles, Mojave, and Goshen. He was forced to be ferried or "ride the cars" (take a train) because of floods near Mobile and Yuma and a bicycle breakdown near Del Rio.
He arrived in San Francisco about September 9th (Admission Day), having covered more than 4,000 miles in slightly over 190 days. The San Francisco Chronicle of September 11, 1886 reported that, "He had no hair-breath escapes by flood or field beyond having to be ferried across a piece of flooded roadway near Mobile, and getting badly scared in Arizona by sighting a band of Mexicans whom he mistook for Apaches on the warpath. He followed the route of the Southern Pacific Railroad for the most part. During the trip he wore out six pairs of trousers, five pairs of shoes, a couple of coats, and two hats." The Daily Alta California of September 10, 1886 added, "The gentleman looked pretty rough in his old clothes with his knapsack and canteens strapped on, but he was feeling good. He was introduced to the audience (at a bicycle race) who gave him many hearty cheers and much applause. Afterwards in company with Captain O'Callahan and T. L. Hill, the traveler took a jaunt around the course." A bountiful feast followed the track appearance. The Los Angles Express of August 29, 1886 also gave an account of his ride and stated that he was 20 years old and weighed 135 pounds when he began his ride.
There are only scattered accounts of his life after his 1886 journey. It was reported that he planned a long two-year return journey with his brother Frank and a friend from New York, C. W. Listman. He probably returned by train since there is no evidence that this trip materialized. The Wheel of August 12, 1887 reported that Van Meerbeke planned to reside in Patterson, New Jersey and work in a silk mill. On June 29, 1888 the New York Times noted that Van Meerbeke had embarked on an extended bicycle tour in Pennsylvania and adjacent areas of New York State.
Apparently Van Meerbeke did not want publicity, for other than a few newspaper reports like the ones cited above, there is no known account of his bicycle trips. Karl Kron (p. xcvii) tells us that he sent three letters to Van Meerbeke seeking information about the transcontinental ride, but received no response.
https://www.thewheelmen.com/sections/americanjourneys/shiningsea/vanmeerbeke.php
Fred E. Van Meerbeke, of New York, one of the most accomplished bicycle riders in the country, is making a trip from New York to San Francisco via New Orleans, on a Columbia bicycle. He reached Atlanta yesterday from Lawrenceville, when he mounted his machine at 6 a.m. The distance is thirty miles. He is making the trip on a wager, and agrees to cover the distance between New York and San Francisco in 150 days.
He left the city hall in New York oon the 1st of March and covered the distance between New York and Lynchburg, 435 miles, in 133 hours and 11 minutes, actual riding hours. From Lynchburg he came to Atlanta doing up 499 miles in 181 hours and 5 minutes on the bicycle. Since leaving New York he has lost eleven days by reason of rainy weather and in waiting for articles of clothing forwarded from one point to another. He says that he averages thirty-five miles a day. In making the trip he passed through the cities of New Brunswick, N.J., Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, Lynchburg, Danville, Charlotte, and Atlanta. If the weather is favorable he will mount his machine today for the purpose of continuing his trip. His route will be by the way of Montgomery and Mobile. The Atlanta bicycle club will escort him to the limits of the city.
Mr. Van Meerbeke is twenty years of age and appears to be physically able to do anything that he may undertake in this line. He says that he has enjoyed fine health since leaving New York. Strapped on his machine behind him he carries a small bundle of necessary articles, and has his valise forwarded to him from one point to another by express. He feels fully confident that he will make the trip in the time specified in the wager.
The Atlanta Constitution, April 17, 1886
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