First time going any suggestion riding from reno any cool places to check out on the way. Got a lot of good advice when I went north to glacier park
Not familiar with anthing west of Scramento, but I would recommend that you cut across on Hwy 20. It is a nice rding road and you will go through Clear Lake which is scenic and has some good places to stop and eat.
Agreeing with Lucky...As I remember it, when on my 'Ride for Sophie' I took 20 from Willits to Ft. Bragg. Never thought I'd get tired of switch backs but WHEW! 33 miles of them...and google maps estimates 1.5 hours for that short run.
Checking my maps thanks