A scheduled hike says "Goal Hike" in the title, what does that mean?
Goal hikes are specific hikes which I am using (your organizer) to push myself a little harder. Other members can use Goal Hikes as their personal markers as well. Goal hikes progress in difficulty over a long period of time. For 2010, your organizer's goal is to participate in a Challenging level hike (rated 14-18). So the 2010 Goal Hikes begin at Level 7 and progress steadily from there.
I don't want to participate in "Goal Hikes," does that mean I can't attend those hikes?
Not at all! Goal Hikes are as open to members as every other hike is.