I wondered about that weird bump when I rode the PCH (well, Portland to San Diego) in May 2016. When I was approaching it, before Hwy 1 makes the 90 degree turn south, I noticed the PCH Bike Route sign at Hwy 1/Halcyon that indicated that Halcycon south was an “Alternate” route, so I took it! This would be an even shorter shortcut than just staying on Hwy 1. Well, what I found was it includes a short but very steep, shoulder-less climb up to where it intersects Hwy 1. I wrote about it here.

I rode the Hwy 1 route as part of a 1200K Randonnee in 2014, and I don’t recall any issues with it, so I’m pretty sure the Hwy 1 route would be fine.

I enjoyed Harris Grade Rd, but I enjoy climbing, and descending. I much prefer up and down to long flats.

On the 1200K in 2014 we went down Black Road, and Lompac Casmalia Road which I recall as being really pleasant, low traffic riding. See route here.

Good luck on your ride. I'm still thinking about my touring plans this summer.