I had been wondering the same thing as I followed this adventure. Once you hit the Pacific, is it 'tag, you're it' and pointing yourself east again?
The Pacific Coast Highway, especially in the northern California section that includes Big Sur is worth the diversion IMO. Recent landslide at Rat Creek which closed a significant portion should be open by April 30th if you're so inclined.
You're reminding me of my 93 adventure from Vermont and back again on my 1100.

Only you've got the internet and hundreds (dozens?) of fans cheering you on and lending advice all along the way. I had newspapers.