re: SF to Chico: MAN - there's a lot of fields and boringness. What route would you be taking? The coastal trip (LA to SF) will be pretty but I've done the drive to chico (in a car) on both the 5 and the 99 freeway several times a year for the last 11 years- it's REALLY boring.

It's also HOT. Get it done now before it gets worse, or wait til late September.

I suggest Humboldt county (north coastal CA) - it's cooler and much more scenic.

In any case, I hope you take pictures!