Are you from the southwest? You mention going back home through AZ/NM and having grown up in 100+ weather. If so, then you probably know that it quickly climbs to 100 in the morning in the desert and often stays there to well past sunset in summer. Miscalculating your water supply and sources while traversing the desert could be ugly.

Also, plan around California's state park closures: http://www.nationalparksblog.com/cal...ure-list-2011/

An inland route for northern CA sounds interesting, though possibly a good amount of climbing. Maybe someone has experience riding Klamath Falls > Fall River > Susanville > Grass Valley. Then a cut over to the coast below the bay??