South to north for me. I plan on leaving the last week in April from somewhere like Lake Isabella (or possibly near Joshua Tree as it appears as though the route runs on the west side of the valley I'll be in mid-April). That still sounds a bit early, correct?

Also, it looks as though a hammock would work for the areas north of that point, am I correct? I'll be in the Joshua Tree area before that and it is a no go on the hammock there, but I have gotten away with no shelter in the past (although last April it did rain on me in the higher elevations). I could always use my hammock tarp if I had an issue with rain (and my bicycle as a support at one end). Any thoughts on that?

I have read that a couple of you say it is a very challenging route. Is that mainly due to the elevation changes? I am in good shape and will be in better shape by the time I leave. I also carry less than 20 pounds (maybe less if I can play with the gear list a bit). Anyway, if you could provide a touch more detail I'd appreciate that.