Southern California - Suggestions for following the ToC

My wife and I will be heading out to California from the east coast to view the Tour of California in May. We'll be picking up the tour at Stage 5 and following it through the end. Any suggestions on areas to stay or any other tidbits of wisdom? I anticipate we will stay in the San Bernardino the night after stage 5 to catch the action at Big Bear Lake and then stay in the Thousand Oaks area for the final two stages.

I would shy away from staying in San Bernardino. Redlands has good accommodations @ decent prices (Ayres Hotel, Dynasty Suites) and great restaurants. Depending on the stage 5 approach to Big Bear (hwy 330 v 38), you may even consider staying in the mountains. If 38 is selected, I'm hoping Onyx is just the summit and the stage will terminate in Big Bear with a short climb (Snow Summit?). May is between seasons, and unless the TOC draws in a huge crowd, s/b be able find accommodations in BB fairly easily.

This hotel is brand new and has only been open for a few months. It is about 14 miles west of San Bernardino CA.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-25098044-hilton_garden_inn_fontana-i;_ylt=As0zeE2JYMg.gMIFMhZ4klUJ8b8F

In general I would shy away from staying in most of San Bernardino, but the part by Hospitality Lane (near I-215/I-10) is OK, there's some chain hotels there.

Actually, I was thinking that stage might take the back way (Highway 18) to Big Bear. Anybody know more about the route?

The route is set to be published tomorrow (2-1).
Can't give specifcs on hotels, but Stage 5 is Visalia to Bakerspatch. Count on a 3-4 hour drive or so to Stage 6 depending on your individual viewing and lodging situation. (Even more if you head up into Big Bear)

Downtown LA to TO may take some time as well. The last stage may take some time to get around as the road closures might really mess things up.

OK, I'm pretty sure that my info about 2-1 came from ToC itself. As of today no update on that.
I'm planning/hoping to follow at least stages 1-5 camping in my trailer. The latter stages might be harder logistically to pull that off for me.

OK, I'm pretty sure that my info about 2-1 came from ToC itself. As of today no update on that.
I'm planning/hoping to follow at least stages 1-5 camping in my trailer. The latter stages might be harder logistically to pull that off for me.

Last heard was the 9th http://community.active.com/blogs/BruceHildenbrand

My suggestion is to get to the TT as early as possible. At about 8-9am all the team cars start rolling in and the mechanics start working on the bikes. None of the crowds are there yet so it's super mellow and you can chat with the staff and mechanics.

Thanks for that, esammuli.
Interesting hints there of a loop of four times on the last stage - that'd be a good place to watch.

Stages 1 and 2 courses announced today - no Sprints or KOM indicated though. Must still be negotiating something.
2 more stage announced every day.
Time for me to start analyzing my trip more.