Brandy - if you guys still want to do the original route but add NC from PCH I can probably help with that.

Input this: From Cook's Corner/Aliso Creek trail take Glenn Ranch Rd to Portola to Bake. Bake to Muirlands, Muirlands to Alton to San Diego Creek trail to Eastbluff. Eastbluff across to Ford, Ford to San Miguel, San Miguel down to Poppy/5th St to PCH, PCH left to Newport Coast. NC to san Joaquin, back to Back bay, loop around to Dover and back to the start.
Sounds complicated and lord knows way more climbing than I'm capable of but this is doable, less traffic, good views and plenty of places to stop and snack also lots of bail outs if one (say me) just can't handle any more climbing.