LA and back.....With 3000 miles between!

Hello from the UK!
My husband and I will be doing our 5th big road trip around the USA this September/October, on our Harley Roadking motorcycle, which we keep it in LA with friends. We plan to take in two "bites" of Nevada, one from Las Vegas, up hwy 93, 375, 6, to Bishop in CA and the other from Virginia City to Austin on the 50, then up to Winnemucca on the 305 then the 140 into Oregon, to Kalamath falls. In between the two, we will ride hwy 49. It's the 49 that I really would like advice on, so that we get the best out of the experience. The history of the gold, the wine and anything else it has to offer. I know it's a busy time of the year there, so any useful ideas/tips will be gratefully accepted! Also, once we get up as far as Placerville, should we carry on up to Downieville and work our way down the west side of Lake Tahoe to the South Lake, or shoot across on the 50 and skip the top section?
Many thanks.