Not only is Riva Grill's very own Ryan Duin a stellar and devoted cook, he is competing in his third World's Toughest Mudder this Saturday in Las Vegas, NV. With his top 20 finish in last year's event with minimal training, there is a solid chance that a place on the podium will belong to Duin this year. On behalf of the Riva Grill, we are sending him off this week to the World's Toughest Mudder with tons of love, support and energy as he vies for first - the place he will be to us no matter what the outcome. 

Ryan was nice enough to sit down and answer a few questions for us so we could get a glimpse into what the road has been like to train and compete in the toughest 24 hour corse in the world. Here's what he had to say:

How many Tough/Toughest Mudders have you done? 

RD: I have only participated in one Tough Mudder. That was the "Tahoe Northstar 2012" as a goal for shoulder surgery rehabilitation. I then participated in World's Toughest 2012 and again in 2013. Despite having a season pass to all events this year, I didn't make it to any regular Tough Mudders.


How have you trained for this year's competition?

RD: My Father, Larry, took a great interest in my training this year and we decided together to use the Tahoe Rim Trail, or TRT, as training grounds. With a goal of breaking the unsupported record of 58hrs 45min, we ran different sections after work and on weekends at least twice a week. This helped with getting used to greater distance running as well as staying active for 24hrs+ as World's Toughest requires. Our attempt was thwarted by gastro-intestinal issues that developed with my father around mile 40. we were able to push on to 80+ miles before giving in around the 24hr mark. We will continue to train and try again next year.


What made you decide to do World's Toughest Mudder?

RD: Having completed the Northstar course relatively fast, and feeling like I could have been more challenged, I looked for more. I discovered that once a year they hold the Worlds Toughest Mudder. This strongly appealed to me as I enjoy testing both my physical and mental abilities. There are at least 1,200 others who have discovered they have a knack for enduring and a somewhat masochistic love for exhaustion. World's Toughest Mudder promised to be the most challenging thing I, and the others, had ever encountered. The sense of camaraderie you feel on the course is amazing for a competition. When your giving all you've got for that long, your only competition is your mind telling you to stop. Some obstacles are nearly impossible after 10 laps. The "we're in this together" attitude is something that is hard to find in competition, and after WTM 2012 I was hooked. Challenge beyond what you could dream up for yourself with a field of competitors that will pull you up and then race you to the finish line. Its an amazing event.


What is your least favorite part or has been the biggest obstacle for you to overcome?

RD: My least favorite part of every year is the uncertainty I feel as the race approaches. Did I train hard enough? Do I have the right gear, diet, and plan? So much can go wrong. I learned a great deal from both of the previous years, and feel a greater sense of confidence facing this years course, but you have to be prepared for anything.


How do you think training for such a big competition strengthens other areas of your life such as work, relationships and your self confidence?

RD: It is very beneficial in all aspects of my life. My lifestyle becomes much healthier as I eat better, sleep more, and avoid partying, which used to be an outlet for my energy. I learn about myself daily as i reach new benchmarks. This year in particular I trained much harder since I quit smoking the week after WTM last year. I have discovered a healthier me that is capable of much more than I knew possible. Although I have always felt fit, I never knew how much proper training can improve ability, and in turn, confidence. Having these goals has kept me moving in a direction I desire, and as I succeed or fail, I learn to keep improving. That improvement brings other positive aspects of my life to attention. You cant help but develop a habit of looking at every aspect of your life with the same attitude.


What, if anything, is next after Toughest Mudder 2014?

RD: After this years WTM, I plan on resting and healing, but then training again for other races and goals. I think I want to try Ultra-running. I have entered the lottery to participate in next years Tahoe 200, a 200 mile race that uses much of the TRT. I also am determined to break the unsupported record on the Tahoe Rim Trail. 


To get a visual into what Duin is about to embark on, check out this short video documentary that gives a gut wrenching look into the 2013 World's Toughest Mudder.

Summer came and went quicker than quicker than we can say Lickme Lemon Drop (those are tasty, by the way). Here at Riva Grill, have each and every one of our devoted guests to thank for making this summer such a great one. If you dined at Riva, or any of our other three restaurants we would love to hear about your experience that made a lasting impression on you and why you'll plan to come back next summer and summers thereafter! In the meantime, here are some things that we look back on some of the fun events that happened in Tahoe South and Riva grill that make the summer of 2014 one to remember. Sample the Sierras Labor Day Weekend

It looks like now we can enjoy the rest of our Indian summer and then on to praying for snow! Thank you for another amazing summer, Lake Tahoe!

Happy Labor Day from your favorite restaurant in South Lake Tahoe! We had a blast this weekend meeting our guests from all over the state of California, the United States and even some folks that came to visit from abroad. Nobody was disappointed this weekend as Ike and Martin made their music debut in the lounge of Riva. Stay tuned on when they will be back and performing again at Riva! The fireworks show was a fun success and was a nice way to close out the unofficial end to summer. In case you missed it, here's a shot of the light that lit up South Shore last night. We welcome you to come enjoy one of the most beautiful months in Tahoe on our deck, September, just yards away from Lake Tahoe. Before you know it we will be praying for snow!

Just three more weeks until Labor Day! The fireworks show will be Sunday August 31 at 8:30. Make your dinner reservations for the holiday weekend now! (530) 542-2600

As of late, it seems as though there is a big fuss around things that are complained about more so than that good that graces us every single day in Lake Tahoe. After all, Lake Tahoe is still one of the top destinations to visit in the US! Instead of focusing on what is going wrong these are some of the things that we are thankful for and are so very excited about that are happening in our beautiful mountain town!


Did you know Lake Tahoe is currently 12'' higher than it's natural level?

While we are taking the California drought seriously, we are happy to share that our lake is higher than it's natural level by 12 inches. There are a ton of places around the lake to launch boats and the even better news is that after you depart the shallow water there is 22x12 miles of water to play on! 


Summer isn't going anywhere anytime soon!

A little rain never hurt anyone. We welcome this week's weather with open arms considering what is around the corner! The above photo is a photo of the forecast for the remainder of August into September. Need we say anymore?


Riva Grill sends a warm welcome to the Hard Rock Casino and Resort!

We could not be more excited for the Hard Rock to open just blocks away from Riva Grill at Stateline, NV! This addition to the town is going to be ginormous. Here is just one of the 3D animations of what to expect the new Hard Rock to look like. We have a feeling the real deal will blow this out of the water! In addition to the new Hard Rock we are ecstatic to welcome all of Tahoe South's new restaurants! See a list of all of the new restaurants here.


Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

It feels like we were watching the 4th of July fireworks just yesterday! Coming up at the end of this month on Sunday August 31 will be the annual Labor Day Weekend fireworks show. Not only are we excited for the festivities but we are grateful that a fireworks show is able to even take place in South Lake Tahoe still. Be sure to find information about beach clean up days. 


Wet Woody Wednesday

Well, we know this is nothing new but Wet Woody Wednesday always gets us giddy! We love helping others get through their mid week slump. Speaking of, it's Wednesday today! See you later for a hump day remedy!

And yet another Celebrity Golf Tournament is here and gone. It's always an undeniably busy and fun week in Tahoe South during Celebrity Golf week; the town swells with visitors, the night life is thriving, the Harvey's Outdoor Summer Concert series is at a peak and you'll likely find Charles Barkley out and about buying the whole bar a round of drinks. Despite the weather challenges Tahoe faced during the action-packed week, it was nonetheless fun and eventful! What was your favorite part of the week?

Boat party at the 17th hole. Everyone's favorite spot! {photo credit}

Charles Barkley and his famous swing {photo credit}

Jack Wagner {photo credit}

Jerry Rice talking with fans {photo credit}

Stefan Curry was signing autographs and taking photos with fans all day {photo credit]

Aaron Rogers back for another year {photo credit}

Ray Romano signing autographs for fans {photo credit}

Edgewood Golf Course - home of the American Century Classic Tournament {photo credit}

What a month it's been! We've loved every moment of the World Cup this year and are sad it is winding down to the final, BUT, we cannot wait to see who wins between Germany and Argentina this Sunday at 2:00! Stay tuned for Saturday's game as well as Brazil and Netherlands fight for third place. Come watch both matches in the lounge with a few Wet Woodys!

Here is this week's round of 16 and quarter-finals World Cup Schedule! Come in tomorrow July 1 @ 1:00 to cheer on USA as they go head to head with Belgium!