"Attempt at" and "Attempt to", is there any difference?

Hi,

I was just looking at the usage of "attempt" with the two prepositions "at" and "to" and I couldnt find any thing on net which could make myself clear on the subtle difference in the usage of these two words, if there is any.
Here is an example..

1) Charles Lindbergh, for his attempt at a solo transatlantic flight, was very reluctant to have any extra weight on his plane, he therefore refused to carry even a pound of mail, despite being offered $1,000 to do so.

2) Very reluctant to have any extra weight on his plane when he attempted his solo transatlantic flight, Charles Lindbergh refused to carry even a pound of mail, despite being offered $1,000 to do so.

I prefered sentence 1st over 2nd. But somebody said that in the first "Attempt at" is unidiomatic and thus 2nd one is correct and 2nd is the answer in the book.

Could you please explain how come "attempt at" is unidiomatic? Is the because of "for"?

Regards,
Rahul