The phrase "bumpy ride" is an idiomatic expression that means a difficult, unpredictable or turbulent experience. It can refer to any situation where things are not going smoothly and there are unexpected challenges or obstacles along the way. The term implies that the journey or process is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, with sudden changes in direction or speed that may be uncomfortable or even dangerous. In essence, it describes a situation where things are not going as planned, and there are many obstacles to overcome before reaching the desired outcome.