[Grammar] But the plane ride there and back was a total nightmare.

[kadioguy]

(In an English-teaching video)

Anne Marie: My family and I recently took a trip back to the States to visit my parents. I had a great time. But the plane ride there and back was a total nightmare.

Rex: Why do you say that?

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1. Did Anne Marie mean to say "... the plane riding there and back was a total nightmare"?

2. I am not sure why Rex uses "do" instead of "did". Doesn't Anne Marie's saying happen before Rex's saying (i.e., in the past)?

What do you think?

PS - What should I call it? Does "an English-teaching video" sound OK?
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(Source) At 0:10-0:24

 

[Tarheel]

1. No. She's talking about the ride on the plane.
2. Yes, but it's the very recent past. The person had just said it.

Yes, it's OK.

 

[kadioguy]

1. No. She's talking about the ride on the plane.

Thank you, Tarheel.

I now know that the "ride" there is a noun, not a verb.

 

[GoesStation]

I now know that the "ride" there is a noun, not a verb.

If you say the plane riding, it sounds like the aircraft is mounted on a horse or is otherwise being transported by something.