Biking San Francisco to Portland

Question
Hello there,
This summer I would like to bike from San Francisco to Portland Oregon.  I'm from the East Coast, North Carolina to be exact, and I have never been to California and will be traveling there for my first time this summer.  I am in shape, but sure that bicycling will still present a challenge doing it day after day.  I would like to know how to get a good riding map in advance, what supplies you think I should be prepared to take, and how long it would take (what's a good average pace?)
Thanks,
Bryan

Answer
Sorry, I forgot to answer your question.  I was just on a trip myself.  

On the west coast, the summer wind is strong out of the northwest.  It's easier to bike from Portland to San Francisco, rather than bike from San Francisco to Portland.

Going south is with the wind at your back.   

Both Oregon and California have signs along the way designating the coastal bike trip.  Also good camping with hiker biker sites in state parks.  Last I knew bicyclists could stay on Oregon Coast parks for $4 per night and California for $3.  Last time I did the trip was 2006.

http://www.adventurecycling.org has maps for sale.  

Oregon State transportation department has a free coastal bike map that's available in various places such as tourist info places along the way.  I think it can be requested by mail or on the web as well.  

California publishes a map booklet last I knew. It's divided into sections.  

So the route has good signs and maps.  Also several books are out about the route.

For what to bring, there are a lot of books about that as well.  

My own web page has the trip from my perspective.  I've been down the coast several times.  Also I have a bike touring FAQ page with my own advice.  Advice and needs will vary from person to person.

Robert
http://www.theslowlane.com/bike.html