Riley lived in Virginia for 18 years before moving to Boulder as a college student. He built his career through youth competitions around the country, attending Youth National Championships every year in which he competed. After moving to Colorado, he left the youth circuit for the collegiate scene; he now competes for the University of Colorado team and served as their Treasurer and Secretary for 2 years.

Outside of climbing, Riley focuses his time on securing a degree in Environmental Studies from CU as well as eating every kind of ice cream he can get his hands on… besides vanilla.