Hello fellow cyclists

After 3 years in Vancouver it's time for me to depart for good and on the way out, I am planning a ride to the south, hopefully all the way to LA, via the coast. A few years ago I did an equally long ride from Uk to Greece (The relevant blog journal) so I kind of know the basics. I just have a few questions related to cycling in the US, so I am looking for your input.

1. What's the longest distance I should expect to ride without going through a town or village for restock? I'm wondering if I will have to carry water and food supplies for more than a day. Which sections are the more deserted along the coast?

2. Are there camp sites all along, or is camping in the wilds unavoidable? I never had to, so I am wondering if there are any particular dangers/worries if I need to do it.

3. I am planning to leave Vancouver at the end of August, when the weather is still mild and avoid the heat at the south when I get there (Give my self 2 months to get there). Is that reasonable? A friend suggested to check for predictions on El Nina. Have you experienced any of it's effects in rain? Would it be a deal breaker?

4. Has anyone used the cycling association maps? Are they worth it?


That's it for now... I am sure many more questions will follow.
Thanks for your time
georgios