Agree with rsbob , 101 is a freeway on most of the route . Highway 1 is legal for bikes and hugs the coast wherever possible. Keep in mind that there are areas that can be dangerous with no shoulder. After high school in 1972 my best friend rode from Oxnard where we grew up , to Berkeley for school. He was hit twice around the Big Sur portion and both times the drivers kept going. He was ok , just banged up a bit. It wouldn’t stop me from doing the trip if I had the time. It is one of the most picturesque places in America. I will someday do the Oregon portion of the ride . I met a couple down here that did it and said they only got rained on once but that is rare. Fenders would be helpful , rain is almost a given from Northern California to Seattle. Very steep hills in some places both up and down!