Every now and then, people need a little adventure in their lives. Sure, to most, relaxing on the couch or outside on a lawn chair is the best way to spend the weekend -- and I would agree, it's perfectly delightful -- some of the time.

But when all that couch canoodling starts to turn you into a couch potato (protruding gut and all), it's time to get outside and take life by the horns. And in this case -- the handle-bars, paddles and tennis shoes, too.

This weekend, Richmonders are in for two days of amazing athletes competing in seven different outdoor sporting events during the James River Adventure Games from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 and from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 15.

Interested in competing against the pros? There are still a few spots available in a number of events. Keep reading and we'll tell you how to get involved.

Sporting competitions on Saturday include the XTERRA James River Scramble, XTERRA Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race, the James River Splash Open-water Swim, the River City Rodeo kayak acrobatics and Jammin' on the James Boatercross whitewater canoe, kayak and raft race, the Belle Isle Bike Trials and the Rocketts Landing Sprints Rowing Regatta.

And on Sunday, prepare yourselves for the ultimate off-road run, bike and swim triathlon in which athletes will compete for the XTERRA East Championship.

In an XTERRA news release, Trey Garman, vice president of Richmond's TEAM Unlimited calls the James River Park System, "with its bizarre combination of natural and man-made obstacles…the best metropolitan trail system in the country."

This weekend, the XTERRA Each Championship will draw over 1,000 athletes from over 30 states and pros from around the world to compete. And for the winner – a $20,000 pro purse. Now that's what I call X-treme.

Events will be held on Brown's Island and neighboring locations including Belle Isle, Robious Landing and Rocketts Landing.

Richmonders can find a complete schedule and registration information online at sportsbackers.org, to find out when their favorite sport will hold a competition.

More interested in being a spectator but still want to have a little interactive fun? Sports Backers has plenty to spark your interest at the Crocs Lifestyle Village on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Whether you are a sports enthusiast in search of great competition, an urban athlete looking for something new," said Mike McCormick, communications director for Sports Backers, in a news release, "a parent with energetic youngsters or anyone who wants to pursue a more environmentally supportive lifestyle, check out the Crocs Lifestyle Village and indulge your curiosity."

All activities and exhibitions are free and range from raft rides on the James and kayaking in the Canal to tree climbing and mountain bike test rides. You can even try out one of the newest forms of transportation – the Segway.

Take home a prize of your own by taking part in the Best Buy Digital Photo Contest.

Throughout this two-day event, photographers can go anywhere and shoot any Adventure Game or activity they choose – but make sure it's good enough to win you the $250 first place prize. Registration information for the photo contest is also available online at sportsbackers.org.

XTERRA will also offer a number of their own interactive events including the XTERRA Kids Zone where children 12 and under can compete in running and bicycle races as well as obstacle and agility courses. Best of all – everyone in Kids Zone is a winner and will take home a prize.

Get your hound involved at the XTERRA K9 Challenge involving a 20-yard sprint, speed-crawl, bounding leap, a club up the teeter-totter and much more.

To help everyone celebrate the beauty that surrounds the James River area, the famous Brown's Island stage will welcome the funked-up rock of the DJ Williams Projekt followed by the Nashville roots rock banc, The Coal Men on Saturday night, from the Free Concert for the James River. Not only will Richmonders enjoy great music, but they'll enjoy it for a great cause.

Lighting up the sky and bringing the day to a close is the Verizon Fireworks Extravaganza, the perfect ending to a fun-filled day.

• The James River Adventure Games and XTERRA East Championship will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 and from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday June 15. The Free Concert for the James will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night followed by the Verizon Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. Admission, activities and exhibitions are free. Find a complete schedule and information for registration online at sportsbackers.org.