The bike you posted will work. Since you have a budget of $500 - $600, it fits the bill. Try it out for a season or two and then upgrade if you feel you're ready but keep an eye out for other brands/makes/models too! Don't forget to budget for accessories like helmets, lights etc.
The biggest flaw with this bike is that it's got Sora components and then topped off with a triple crank (which in my opinion really sucks.) But again, it will work and you may likely outgrow the groupset.
The most important thing is that the bike fits. How tall are you and what size if the bike? Because if the bike doesn't fit, it will do you no good. Distance - it varies. Some people do 30km/week. Some people do 100km. As Alphamale once famously said - "Just shut the fuck up and ride, okay?"
