That about covers it,Frequent breaks for fuel, hydration, oil checks, etc. Make sure you have done all necessary maintenance, mapped your route with waypoints for fuel/food, etc., and packed your rucksack, etc.
Make sure you have plenty of money, credit card, etc., in case something goes south on you....
Know your limits. Plan for stops. Hydration, etc and everything else everyone said is key. and EARPLUGS!!!! trust me. good earplugs too. Don't be a dumb ass. Your head will be buzzing so badly that first night, you won't make the mistake again.
Now... where in CA? I'm in Sonoma County. You going to SF? LA?
Rock on. Don't forget your earplugs. Honest to god. 11 hours on a bike with no earplugs can cause some serious problems (present and future). And I don't just mean music ear buds. Music may be fine for a few hours... but you'll see what I mean after 8+ hours... those in ear headphones don't block noise really... You'll see after the first day though.Going to riverside California, still researching the route and gas stops