I too did the same route, also in reverse, while riding back from Monterey to New York. One of my brothers lived in Salinas for a while. Ran a Kawasaki dealership out there but don't hold that against him. Do stop and spend some time in Mendocino. And before you start your ride brush up on your Steinbeck. Especially"Travels with Charley" and Cannery Row. Maybe to a God Unknown and East of Eden if you have time. When in Monterrey visit Cannery Row although now it bears no resemblance to Steinbeck's Cannery Row, actually no resemblance to the Cannery Row I first visited in 1976. But it is still interesting to envision Steinbeck's Cannery Row characters while strolling the area. Also stop in Salinas and visit Rosita's (if it is still there) it is a dive but great Mexican food, although no one spoke much English when I last visited. Then make sure while in Salinas to run up to Fremonts Peak (it's mentioned in Travels with Charley). Great twisties (but be careful) and when you get to the top, park, dismount and climb to the very top of the rock peak. On a clear day you can see the ocean, usually not many people make the effort so it is a great time to clear your head or meditate.