you just reminded me that breath control was why i started singing on my commutes. joie de vivre, sure. but originally i'd just pick a song that needed some measured timing and some holding of notes as i started up that damned bridge.

it helped me to stay on top of my oxygen debt, and stay in an exertion range that didn't get out of control. it kind of got me used to functioning in the aerobic zone, if that makes sense. like how you get used to functioning in the slightly-buzzed zone when you first discover beer

you have to time a song or it doesn't sound right; that helps me to time my riding and just generally stay aware of how hard i'm pushing myself. otherwise i can get myself all the way out of breath without really noticing it. and of course, the thing about singing on a bike is that by the time anyone starts to point and laugh they're behind you, so you don't care.