Summer Safari: SoCal to Portland, OR

So to kick off this new blog of mine, I'm starting with the planning for my epic, "as little pavement as possible" trip from Southern California to Portland, OR. In reality, it's darn near impossible to avoid a paved road these days, especially traveling that far. So, really my goal with this is to explore a far off place that I will likely never get the opportunity to explore again.

Here is what I'm looking at doing (this is all very much in the pre-planning phase):

1) Drive PCH (101, with side trips to the more notable attractions along 1) north from LA to the Oregon border. then take the south western leg of the OBCDR(Oregon BackCountry Discovery Route) north to I84, drive west to Portland.

2) Start out northbound on 395, visit friends near Carson City, NV, continue north on 395 and take the southeastern leg of the OBCDR north to I84, drive west to Portland.

3)From Death Valley, take roads that comprise the big bike race from DV to Reno, continue on from Carson as above. (unlikely)

So I really favor 1 and 2, both I think I would enjoy equally. 3 seems a bit much, not to mention the searing heat of DV(and the southern deserts in general) in the summer time!

So either option takes me through Eastern Oregon, so it will be very hot! I plan on taking 14 gallons of water, and refilling when ever possible!

Another challenge is fuel. I have a conservative range of about 200 miles offroad from my 18 gallon tank. I will be carrying another 20 gallons, doubling my range. I will refuel at every opportunity.

I appreciate any comments/suggestions you have. I have a planning thread over at Expedition Portal and Ultimate Yota.