Mechanical problems have defeated two south Essex heroes trying to ride 7,000 miles across the Sahara for charity.

Trip aborted - Lance and Duncan FCF693

Today they face a struggle to drive home after one motorbike broke down again and had to be towed 100 miles across Spain by the other rider.

Duncan Maclean, originally from St Lukes Close, Canvey, and Lance Harrison from Station Road, Westcliff, started their epic journey on Sunday, November 3.

They left Lance's parents home in London Road, Benfleet, for Dakar, the capital of Senegal in Africa, and planned to be back home by Christmas.

However, last Sunday, in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the problems that first surfaced in Spain forced them to stop.

They realised Lance's bike had become a liability and the desert was just down the road. Ironically, it might be the simplicity they planned for that wrecked the attempt.

Lance had revealed: "The bikes haven't got a starter, only a kick start. We've kept things simple so there's less to go wrong."

Zoe Truman has been managing the rider's home base in Station Road, Westcliff. After talking to them today, she said: "They're very upset, especially after spending so much time and more than £2,000 on the bikes."

Published Friday November 15, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo